Contemporary collecting: Towards a documentary heritage for tomorrow

Collecting to reflect the new voices of Aotearoa

The newest curatorial area at the Turnbull, Contemporary Voices and Archives was established in 2021. Contemporary Voices and Archives’ work encompasses thought leadership, advocacy for systemic change, and proactive collection development across formats.

The vision that guides the work, and the practice that shapes it, focus on ensuring that the national documentary heritage becomes more inclusive, socially aware, and reflective of the changing times.

In this event, the inaugural curator of this area, Dr Ashwinee Pendharkar, will talk about the journey so far and the path ahead.

A Friends of the Turnbull Library event

The Friends of the Turnbull Library, Ngā Hoa o te Whare Pukapuka Turnbull, offers a monthly programme of public talks that are free to all. The public programme highlights the work of researchers who draw on Turnbull material for their projects.

Friends of the Turnbull Library

About the speaker

Dr Ashwinee Pendharkar is an academic and heritage professional with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the inaugural curator of Contemporary Voices & Archives, she has been instrumental in giving form to the Alexander Turnbull Library’s vision for a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable documentary heritage representing all New Zealanders. She leads these efforts by proactively ensuring focus on hitherto marginalised and under-represented cultural identities, communities, events, concerns, and formats.

Check before you come

Due to COVID-19, some of our events can be cancelled or postponed at very short notice. Please check the website for updated information about individual events before you come. For more general information about National Library services and exhibitions, have a look at our COVID-19 page.