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Framed around the archive of artist, curator, and teacher Franko B, this one-day symposium of talks, performance and discussion, featuring artists, archivists, writers, curators and researchers, looks at the multitude of different ways in which archives can be accessed, activated and animated.

The day will open with an ‘in conversation’ between Franko B and Lois Keidan, Director of the Live Art Development Agency, and will also include a performance from the project’s writers-in-residence Mary Paterson and Maddy Costa, as well as discussing a variety of challenging archives from Franko’s own to the Bishopsgate Institute’s LGBTQ Erotica and Pornography Collection.

A full itinerary for the day, including speaker biographies is available. here: ‘Challenging Archives’ symposium programme (PDF, 188kB) .

Organised with the University of Bristol Theatre Collection the symposium is part of a wider series of public events including an exhibition, talks and workshops, funded by the Wellcome Trust, that marks the end of a larger project to catalogue, conserve and widen access to Franko B’s Archive, donated by the artist to the Theatre Collection in 2008 where it is now fully accessible.

Tickets are free but need to be booked in advance

Please be aware that the event will explore adult themes and content, which may not be suitable for all audiences.

Image credit: Franko B. Photography and © Hugo Glendinning