The Future of History

History is made, preserved and passed on in many ways. Through treasured objects, shared stories, cultural practices, community spaces and the relationships that bind people together, communities create living archives that extend far beyond museum collections. This conversation explores the many ways history is created and carried through community in remarkable objects held and cared for by Muslim families across Greater Sydney. Alongside the knowledge, memories and traditions that surround them, speakers reflect on what we choose to preserve, why it matters and how history continues to evolve through everyday acts of care, gathering and cultural transmission.

Featuring Zia Ahmad OAM, Vina Purwantoro and Mohamad Ali, participants in Khaled Sabsabi’s major film project Moments in Waiting, this conversation offers an expanded understanding of history as something continually made, shared and sustained by communities.

Languages, songs, ceremonies, gestures and cultural practices are carried through the body, transmitted across generations, performance and lived experience.

In this conversation Peta Strachan (Jannawi Dance Clan), Maryjane Schwenke (Matavai Cultural Arts) and Dr Leah Lui-Chivizhe explore the body as a living archive. From language revitalisation and storytelling to cultural practice and dance, speakers consider how knowledge survives through people and what it means to carry history within ourselves.

For much of human history, archives were created by institutions. Today, millions of people document their lives and communities in real time through social media.

Join Michael Sun, Lena Tuck and Jack James, hosts of triple j’s video podcast The Slop, for a live recording exploring defining moments, memes, internet culture and experiences shared online.