The ethos for the Living Archive acknowledges the archive not as a static structure where objects are labelled definitively, but one that continues to evolve through interpretation and reinterpretation that can be used to deliver unique experiences where art responds to and is informed by heritage and used to tell stories. In turn, this opens up an exchange, reconnecting back to heritage so that the Living Archive is active and animated.

The Living Archive is a collection of archival materials that can be used by all: artists, academics, researchers and those tracking their family history. The digital collections provide a home to these inspirational documents and aims to spark conversations, learning and creativity by bringing the content to life through artistic responses, events, exhibitions, podcasts and films.

The Living Archive is part of Unearthed: Forgotten Histories, a project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which seeks to make a structural difference to the recording, documentation and sharing of Black history and heritage in the UK.