Read about Transformedia, a featured case study in our 2024-2025 Annual Report.
The Institute of African and Asian Studies Archive at the University of Khartoum contains a plethora of audio-visual material representing the diversity of Sudanese intangible cultural heritage. Its rich collection includes oral traditions, folk stories, musical heritage and crafts.
Although decades of conflict have affected the IAAS Archive, it was the eruption of conflict in 2023 which threatened its very survival. This is especially due to the forced closure of the institution and displacement of individuals previously involved in the physical management of the collections.
With support from the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, Transformedia began work in January 2024 to scale up protective measures. The project rapidly enhanced the archive’s longevity because without relying on institutions, their agility ensured that Sudanese living heritage could be rapidly recorded and kept alive during the ongoing conflict.
