ICARUS Convention #34
May 12 - May 14
The ICARUS Convention #34 will bring together diverse initiatives that explore how archival materials and practices respond to pressing global challenges of the 21st century, such as migration and climate change. The convention will be hosted by the National Archives of Hungary on May 12–14, 2025 in Budapest.
Under the overarching theme “Archives Reflecting 21st Century Challenges”, the convention will highlight the dual role of archives as custodians of historical memory and active participants in addressing contemporary issues.
Major topics are:
1. Archives and Traces of Migration
The ICARUS Convention also hosts the Archives and Traces of Migration project’s closing event. This symposium will explore the archival and documentary traces of migration, examining how archives can document, preserve, and make accessible the histories of migrant communities and individuals. Despite the massive historical and growing movement of people between countries and around the globe, as well as the burgeoning economic, political, and cultural interest in many countries of origin to build closer ties with their diasporas, migrant individuals and communities often fall between the cracks of library, archival, museum, and other cultural heritage institutions.
If you are considering sharing your research, experiences related to topics include collecting, processing, and presenting documentary and archival materials, archiving oral histories of migrants, collaborating with migrant communities on cultural heritage projects, or case studies showcasing migration through archival evidence, submit your contribution through the ATOM project website.
For more information about the Symposium and the submission details visit here. Deadline is 28th of February
2. Sustainable Archives and Greener Approaches
Recent events such as the pandemic, armed conflicts and natural disasters have demonstrated the significant role of cultural heritage in every country. Resilience, adaptation strategies and contingency actions are crucial elements for any society. The increasing impacts of climate change, natural and man-made hazards, and related technological, environmental, and biological risks have endangered considerable parts of the archival heritage. These kinds of circumstances frequently imply the need for a quick response. Related sessions will focus on the role of archives in addressing human-made or natural catastrophies, climate change and sustainability, exploring innovative practices and strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of archival institutions. Topic included:
Disaster risk management:
- Institutional and regulatory framework regarding climate change and emergency management.
- Main risks affecting Documentary Heritage, tailored to each country.
- Case studies of damage to collections caused by climate events or armed conflicts.
Archives greening:
- Eco-friendly archival practices;
- Sustainable digitization methods;
- Archives as resources for environmental research and advocacy;
- The adoption of greener approaches by archival institutions to enhance climate resilience and sustainability.
If you would like to participate with a presentation, please submit your name, title and an abstract to the Organizing Comittee through this form.
Deadline is 30th of March.
Useful information:
If you have any questions you can reach out the hosts and organisers at icarus34@mnl.gov.hu!