Cultural Heritage Symposium: Heritage in the Digital Age

The UK edition of the Cultural Heritage Symposium comes to SOAS, following earlier 2025 events in Nairobi and Lagos. This gathering is presented in partnership with The Africa Centre, Decolonising the Archive, and the British Council.

Theme: Heritage in the Digital Age.

This year’s symposium brings together community representatives, policymakers, researchers, and creative technologists from Kenya, the Global South, and the UK to explore how technology—especially AI—intersects with cultural heritage. We will address critical questions around ethics, policy, community rights, and opportunities for inclusive growth.

Key Topics Include:

• AI’s role in cultural heritage: opportunities & risks
• Ethical frameworks for digital technology in Africa
• Protecting and amplifying community voices in the digital era
• Policies for inclusive growth through heritage and technology
• International cooperation for grassroots, community-driven projects
• Innovative uses of technology for heritage documentation, recreation, and audience engagement

Confirmed Speakers:

• Dr Rudo Sitole – Founding Director, The African Museums and Heritage Restitution
• Connie Bell – Decolonising the Archive
• Onyekachi Wambu – African Foundation for Development (AFFORD)

About the Symposium: Part of the British Council’s Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth programme, the bi-annual symposium fosters dialogue, celebrates innovation, and builds networks across the cultural heritage sector. Previous editions have explored themes such as Decolonisation and Cultural Heritage (2022) and Culture Grows: Between Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (2020).

Event Highlights:

• Inspiring presentations & panel discussions
• Interactive workshops & installations
• Networking opportunities with sector leaders
• Hybrid format with select virtual sessions