Activating a living archive through arts-based practices

A statewide professional art education organization sought to increase member engagement and strengthen its community. The organization conceptualized and implemented a living archive through arts-based activities that allowed members to explore and interact with its extensive archives. The organization’s archives moved from a repository of materials to a participatory, living archive through collective art making experiences that enhance knowledge-sharing, transparency and accessibility. The involvement of participants directly impacted new board directions and policies while pointing the way towards future democratized decision-making for the organization.