Research Perspectives on the Black European Archive: Materialities, Medialities, Aesthetics

The workshop “Research Perspectives on the Black European Archive: Materialities, Medialities, Aesthetics” explores the intersections of archival practices and the expanding field of Afroeuropean/African European Studies. It addresses pressing questions surrounding the documentation, dissemination, and preservation of Black European histories, as well as ways of “speaking” about Black European archives from different social positions, in different media, and through various aesthetic forms. Thus, the workshop contributes to broader discussions on decolonization and knowledge democratization. Bringing together an interdisciplinary and international community of researchers, archivists, and cultural practitioners, it fosters dialogue and collaboration across academia, heritage institutions, and the arts. Through the lenses of materialities, medialities, and aesthetics, participants will critically examine the Black European archive, its current challenges, and its future directions. By expanding archival research and practices beyond traditional frameworks, the workshop aims to enrich debates in the humanities and inspire innovative approaches to preserving and understanding Black European cultural heritage.

Applicants and organizers: Prof. Dr. Julia Borst (U Bremen), Dr. Francesca Aiuti (U Bremen), Dr. Sandra Folie (ZfL Berlin), Dr. Gianna Zocco (ZfL Berlin)

This Scoping Workshop is a collaboration between the ERC Starting Grants AFROEUROPECYBERSPACE at U Breme and AFROPEA at ZfL Berlin.