A new chapter for Friction Archives

Friction Arts have always created socially engaged work that makes a real difference. Whether it’s in the local neighborhood or across the world, Friction believe art can change lives. Over the last year Friction have been moving back to the Edge and we’ve been working with them to secure the future of their shared history through ‘Friction Archives‘.

A Birmingham Story

Friction Archives is a living record of unheard and under-heard voices. It’s a story of Birmingham told through the eyes of Birmingham people. As they moved back into ‘The Edge’, a newly refurbished arts venue, we unpacked boxes and took the unique opportunity to weave the archive into the fabric the building, daily practice, events and festivals like CREATE. Preservation, access, and value are no longer just goals; they are at the heart of everything Friction do, metaphorically, and physically, with the Archives placed in the central space of the building. It also makes sense as the space also has the most consistent temperature and humidy in a building built on passive house principles.

Building Resilience for the Future

Thanks to the National Archives Resilience Fund, ‘The Making of Friction’ project ran for 12 months, focused on the long-term health and sustainability of Friction collections. Here is how we did it:

• Organizational Stability: We developed policies, procedures and planning that covered everything from strategic direction to financial sustainability, ensuring the archive can grow alongside our community.
• Investing in People: Staff took part in trianing and a placement at th Univeristy of Birmingham to shadow and better understand best practice in archiving. Better-skilled teams mean better care for Friction collections and more support for the people who use them.
• Stronger Networks: No archive is an island. We are deepened our partnerships with Highgate through ‘Home in Highgate’ and other local partners – our Archives were shared and developed as part of all projects this year.
• Raising standards in Archives and Collections, sharing resources and through contact with artists and organisations demonstrating best practice of archival care across the region.
• Accreditation Goals: We are working toward Archive Service Accreditation, a rigorous process that ensures we meet the highest national standards for archival practice.

For the Next Generation

A key part of this journey is ensuring that our history remains inclusive. Through our ‘Young Archivists’ involvement at CREATE festival and use of archives in after-school clubs, we are raising awareness of the value of archives and putting the tools of preservation into the hands of young people.

By involving the next generation of artists and residents in our projects and new Collections through deposits, we ensure that the archive stays relevant, diverse, and most importantly, owned by the community it represents.

Mapping the Past and the Future

This project is about looking ahead, building a resilient and sustainable archive:

1. Our shared history is protected from the challenges of the future.
2. Our records remain an essential resource for education, research, and community pride.
3. Every voice in Birmingham has a place where it is valued and heard.

The history of our city belongs to all of us. Together, we’re making sure it stays that way.

To find out more contact Marcus or Manon (marcus.belben@gmail.com, manon@frictionarts.com)