The Archival Impulse(thanks Hal Foster!)

Recently, a fellow classmate tweeted about a Theaster Gates project, which got me thinking about how we set about preserving culture and the judgement calls we use to decide what objects and ideas make the cut. Foucault writes about how those who hold power control knowledge in order to maintain that power. The archival impulse-the saving and documenting of ideas and objects we deem important-determines what future generations know about us in a culture based in literacy.

This problem is rooted in the discipline of history. Those that we remember are the sung heroes. What is exceptional about the work of someone like Theaster Gates is that he preserves what others are prepared to discard. His Dorchester Project reimagined a closed candy store as a community center with two buildings next to each other one houses the books of a defunct book store and the other houses the former inventory of Dr. Wax records.artists in residence live in adjoining building and help educate the community the project serves.

Gates’ projects provide a strong model for ways that libraries can be reimagining themselves. They keep a focus on what is vital within the communities they serve while also drawing upon local resources in a way that makes sense. The projects also make artists and creative professionals stakeholders within the community.