Archives Wales Alive: Audience Development
We are now in phase 2 of our Archives Wales Alive project, funded by the Welsh Government. Here is an update on the work undertaken so far.
For phase 1, running from November 2025 to April 2026, Gwent Archives and ARCW commissioned Monument Marketing to produce a report and develop a national marketing strategy to boost visibility, relevance, and engagement across the archives sector.
In April phase 2 began, and two Archives Wales Alive Engagement Officers were recruited to begin delivering project recommendations; Emma West and James Phillips.
Emma says ‘I first visited an archive when doing my PhD at Cardiff University, and I’ve been hooked ever since! As a researcher, I’m at my happiest when digging around in archives; I’m delighted to share this sense of joy with new audiences through the Archives Wales Alive project’
James tells us: I was previously at Cardiff University as a history researcher which gave me the opportunity to explore various archives across Wales. My love for history was fuelled by those visits and learning from the brilliant archives teams that make our collections accessible to all. I’m passionate about supporting archives to break down barriers for people to engage with shared histories, commonalities and those sparks for broader conversation which bring us all closer together.
The Project Officers initially engaged with the archives sector to build understanding and awareness of the project, before co-ordinating a consultation process with ARCW member services across Wales. Through a survey, focus groups and individual conversations, and a presentation at ARCW Conference 2026, Officers developed a clear understanding of which recommendations are priority for services, and which are feasible in the timespan of the project. Officers also recognise the need to engage cross-sector with different organisations in the creative, cultural and heritage sectors.
Public and community engagement are priorities for the project’s next phase, in which the Officers will target local communities in North, South and Mid-Wales through a series of events, including two events at the National Eisteddfod in August.
Plans have commenced for the development of online guides and resources, as well as for the procurement for the delivery of digital resources and an external project evaluator. You can follow the progress of these projects on our news page as well as contact the project officers Emma West and James Phillips via ArchivesAlive@GwentArchives.gov.uk.