Record Vision

As I further explore the proposal subject matter split, the recent reading is again citing David Bate’s excellent new book, in particular the chapter ‘The Archival Dream’ exploring ideas around archives, this sentence struck well.   

“These new algorithmic databases and database systems are archives too and change the assumptions about archives as inert materials awaiting activation by humanity.”

David Bate Photography after Postmodernism. Routledge 2022

Previous ideas around my archive have mainly centred around the commercial aspects of passing it onto my children so they can make financial benefit from it. The idea of researching this academically is still quite new and is leading to differing proposal outcomes.

Currently my archive vitally needs/relies on human (mainly mine) activation but what about the future, what about the meanings missed or given to the work. I cannot see the day when it will not, I guess that it will arrive. When it does, will it add value or purpose or quality?

What does this future mean for archives such as mine and what can I do to facilitate this change in assumptions?