Culture Grows: Heritage in the Digital Age – Indigenous Technology

The Africa Centre and Decolonising the Archive (DTA) warmly invite you to the 3rd Edition of the Culture Grows Symposium, where we engage with heritage, technology, and the power of community through the lens of Umoja (Unity).

Decolonising the Archive (DTA) have curated the program to ensure an authentic exposure to real grassroots organisations that are doing transformative work on the African continent in the area of digitisation of archives and A.1. interface and how ethically we may progress to build together .

Join cultural leaders, tech innovators, scholars, artists, and community members from Kenya, the Global South, and the UK to explore how the digitisation of archives and African cultural heritage can shape and inspire future generations across the diaspora

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Mind-expanding panels & talks from leading voices across Kenya, the UK, and the Global South
• Live demos of cultural digitisation projects
• Scrumptious African continental food
• Real connections with artists, researchers, tech leaders, and cultural organisers
• Deep dives into AI, archives, and indigenous tech
• Electric energy rooted in the spirit of Umoja (Unity)

Key Questions We'll Explore:

How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) engaging with African cultural heritage — and what are the implications?

What ethcal frameworks should guide the use of digital technologies in African and diasporic contexts?

How can creative tech respond to global cultural and environmental challenges?

How can international cooperation support community-driven grassroots projects andcontribute to the revitalization of intangible traditions, and inspire new generations?

How are the technologies utilised for documentation and information sharing in best practice and recreation manangment ?

As we are catering, RSVP is strongly advised

PROGRAM

11AM - 12 PM Registration and Reception (food and drinks & DJ Music)

12PM - 12:30 PM Speed Workshop with Moyosore Ale and Young Africa Centre

An open dialogue on African Systems as Technology and Spirituality

12:30 - 12:40 PM Welcome & Introductions with Curator Connie Bell (Decolonising the Archive) and Maureen Anzaye (British Council Kenya)

12:40 PM - 1:00 PM Performance of Ngugi Wa Thingo’s Dismembering Practices

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Frontiers of Restitution: Restitution Ancestral Remains Policy Brief An In Conversation Roundtable with AFFORD Director Onyekachi Wambu and Lawyer and Graduate of Museum Restitution Course Samantha Likonde

2:00 PM - 3:45 LUNCH BREAK & BOOK SIGNING W/ SUDANESE KITCHEN COOKBOOK

(Taste Fusions and Inclusions from Africa and the Caribbean)

3:45 - 4:45 PM UK FILM PREMIERE SCREENING and Q& A of Usanii ni Ufundi with Chao Tayiana Maina Founder of African Digital Heritage and Co-Founder of the Museum of British Colonialism, Kenya & Mutuku Ma Muindi Director of Akamba Museum with

Moderator Hani Ali, Architect founder For African People and honours graduate of Mueum Restitution (Ancestral Remain Ethical Rights Enabler)

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM Digital Heritage Spotlight : A conversation with three practicing and engaging digital heritage projects in Kenya & Sudan that explores their approaches and impact. With Dr. Njabulo Chipangura, Manchester Museum / University of Manchester

Emmaus Kimani, Curator & Archivist, African Artist Digital Archive Project Kenya

Zainab Gaafar, Studio Urban / Mallinson Architects (virtual)

Dr. Helen Mallinson, Mallinson Architects (U.K. / Sudan)

Omer Al Tijani, The Sudanese Kitchen

Fadil Elobeid, Director of Programmes Africa Centre

Moderator

Hannah Andrews, Director of Digital Innovation in the Arts, where she leads digital innovation across the organisation's Global Arts Programmes..

5:45 - 6:00 PM Coffee Break

Ethiopian Coffee ceremony (Enjoy a rich coffee Break with coffee from the African continent to get your mind percolated and ready for more insights)

6:00 PM - 7 PM Panel Discussion w/ Special Keynote address Dr. Rudo Sithole (Zimbabwe) and Professor Kimani Njogu (Kenya)

Archiving Cultural Values and Intangible knowledge to ensure ethical and correct transference of information to combat AI erasure

Dr. Rudo Sithole, Executive Director, AFRIMUHERE

Dr. Ida Hadjivayanis, Chair, Centre for African Studies, SOAS

Prof. Kimani Njogu, Director Twaweza Communications

Moderated by Connie Bell

7:00 PM - 7:45 PM Film Screening + Performance W/ Misha Maseka & Moderated by Adwoa and Solomon of Adechie Atelier

Film Title : It Was Paradise ( A FEATURE ON ZAMBIAN YOUTH/ TECHNOLOGY/ART)

Bio:

Misha Maseka is a Zambian filmmaker, researcher and classical musician based in London

Adwoa and Solomon of Adechie Atelier are social scientists and folklore technicians

7:45 - 8:00 PM CLOSING AND THANK YOU

with British Council Director Arts Ruth Mckenzie (CBE)

8:00 - 8:30 PM Networking Reception

8:00 - 8:30 PM Networking and Drinks In Foyer

CLOSE