My Heritage: A Council for British Archaeology project

MY HERITAGE

A group of eight young people have been interpreting and reimagining archaeology in their own lives and communities. The young people, aged 16–25, have been challenging traditional notions of heritage through their photography supported by award-winning artist Laura El-Tantawy.

As newcomers to archaeology, participants used their unique perspectives to explore the places, objects, and spaces that are significant to them. They engaged with themes of identity, community, and representation and asked questions about relevance, interpretation, and curation.

Photography has provided a fresh perspective to explore these themes, offering participants the freedom to reinterpret archaeology and heritage in ways that speak directly to their own experiences.

Through their work, participants interrogated what constitutes heritage, exploring how we see ourselves reflected in archaeology and how we can foster a sense of belonging, ownership, and relevance for everyone. Their photography reflects personal perspectives on archaeology and heritage, exploring how these concepts are relevant in their own lives and places.

The Story of Our Project showcases the participants engagement in the project through their assignments, workshops and a in-person get-together in Bradford, Summer 2025.

The Background

Since 2021, Photoworks and the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) have collaborated to champion innovative ways of engaging new audiences with archaeology and heritage.

In October 2024, with support from members of the CBA’s Youth Advisory Board, they recruited eight young people to participate in the project. The young photographers have a variety of lived experiences and perspectives, huge enthusiasm for the project, and have been eager to explore and create through the theme of archaeology and heritage.

This project was made possible with support from the National Lottery Fund thanks to National Lottery players. It is part of the CBA’s Reconnecting Archaeology programme.