Archives, as repositories of cultural memory and knowledge, are increasingly under pressure in many countries due to populist and extremist policies. Content that challenges the narratives of these policies has been censored, reinterpreted, or deleted in some regions.
Through its international network of archives and residents, FILE NOT FOUND fosters dialogue across different contexts: some archives are already affected by these pressures, others operate in a grey area, and some still feel safe. Through conferences, residencies, publications, festival collaborations, and exhibitions, the project creates opportunities to exchange experiences, raise awareness of threats to cultural memory, and develop collective strategies for resilience.
As Germany’s international cultural institute, the Goethe‑Institut is committed to protecting cultural expression and enabling open, democratic discourse. FILE NOT FOUND reflects this mission by bringing together archives from different contexts to share experiences, raise awareness of threats to cultural memory, and jointly strengthen their resilience.
Through its international network of archives and residents, FILE NOT FOUND fosters dialogue across different contexts: some archives are already affected by these pressures, others operate in a grey area, and some still feel safe. Through conferences, residencies, publications, festival collaborations, and exhibitions, the project creates opportunities to exchange experiences, raise awareness of threats to cultural memory, and develop collective strategies for resilience.
As Germany’s international cultural institute, the Goethe‑Institut is committed to protecting cultural expression and enabling open, democratic discourse. FILE NOT FOUND reflects this mission by bringing together archives from different contexts to share experiences, raise awareness of threats to cultural memory, and jointly strengthen their resilience.
Our Partners
FILE NOT FOUND is an international initiative organized by the Goethe-Institut Portugal, Amsterdam and Washington, in collaboration with Gerador.Contact
You want to get in touch with us?For general inquiries about the project FILE NOT FOUND please contact:
Goethe-Institut Portugal
E-Mail: filenotfound@goethe.de