VNAK 2026 - Decolonized Archives and Archival Memory
venue - dates - call for papers
8–10 September 2026 | Nuuk, Greenland
Host: Greenland National Museum and Archives
(Nunatta Katersugaasivia Allagaateqarfialu – NKA)
About the Conference
The West Nordic Archive Conference (VNAK) 2026 brings together archivists, researchers and cultural institutions from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, as well as Nordic and international partners, with the aim of strengthening West Nordic archival cooperation in a time marked by digital transformation, increased focus on archival sovereignty, and a growing need to rethink the role of archives in relation to colonial legacies and collective memory.
In a contemporary context where concepts such as authenticity, documentation and truth are increasingly challenged, it feels particularly relevant to examine archival practice. How do we approach records management in an age where “truth” feels increasingly under pressure? What role do archives play in safeguarding credibility, transparency and historical nuance?
With the theme Decolonized Archives and Archival Memory, the conference seeks to create space for dialogue and professional exchange on the role of archives in society – both historically and today.
The conference includes:
- Keynote lectures
- Thematic sessions
- Panel discussions
- Networking activities
Under the overall theme Decolonized Archives and Archival Memory, the conference will explore the following thematic tracks:
West Nordic Archival Sovereignty
This theme addresses questions of archival sovereignty, ownership and responsibility in a West Nordic context – particularly in relation to state authority records, shared archival complexes and historically displaced archives. The focus is on how archives can strengthen self-determination, transparency and equitable cooperation within existing legal and institutional frameworks.
Possible questions and perspectives for discussion may include:
- How are state authority records concerning West Nordic societies managed today?
- What responsibilities do national archives have in relation to shared or externally held records?
- How can archival legislation support archival sovereignty and access across jurisdictions?
- What practical models exist for cooperation when archival material relates to more than one West Nordic country?
- How can archives contribute to decolonising archival description and interpretation?
Mapping Our Shared History – West Nordic Perspectives
This theme focuses on identifying, contextualising and mapping the shared archival history of the West Nordic countries, including records currently dispersed across national borders. The aim is to strengthen overview, accessibility and research collaboration, and to lay the foundation for joint registration and dissemination initiatives.
Possible questions and perspectives for discussion may include:
- How can we create better overviews of archival sources documenting shared West Nordic history?
- What methods can be used to identify and connect related archival material across national borders?
- Can joint metadata standards or shared digital platforms improve access?
- How can collaboration between archives support research into West Nordic historical relations?
- What role do archives play in reshaping historical narratives within the region?
Digital Archives, AI and Data Security
This theme addresses the management of born-digital records, electronic long-term preservation and the increasing role of artificial intelligence in archival practice within smaller and medium-sized archival institutions in the West Nordic region. It also highlights the responsibility of archives for information security, data protection and public trust in a digital environment.
Developments in AI and machine learning call for a nuanced and critical discussion: while such technologies may streamline tasks such as metadata creation, search and transcription, they also raise questions concerning professional standards, data integrity and institutional responsibility.
Possible questions and perspectives for discussion may include:
- How are born-digital archives currently managed in West Nordic archival institutions?
- What experiences do we have with electronic long-term preservation in small-scale contexts?
- Can artificial intelligence meaningfully support cataloguing, metadata creation or access – and under what conditions?
- What ethical, legal and security-related risks should be considered in our regional context?
- How can competence development be strengthened across West Nordic archives in the digital field?
Participants are welcome to propose additional relevant perspectives within the overall theme of the conference.
Call for Papers
We invite archivists, researchers and practitioners to submit proposals for papers, panels or workshops related to the conference themes.
Deadline for submission: 1. April 2026
Guidelines
- Abstract must be maximum 300 words
- Please include title, name, institution and contact details
- Presentations may be delivered in Nordic languages or English. For practical reasons, English or Danish is preferred. We are currently exploring the possibility of interpretation services.
Submission
Abstracts must be submitted via the submission form below: