Documentarium is a touring art exhibition inspired by Kent’s rich and varied archives. Created by internationally renowned artist Alan Kane, the exhibition features copies of some of Kent’s more unusual and fascinating archives; from ancient documents to sketches, strange photos and long-worn letters. Alan has worked with a team of community helpers to carefully select each exhibit. The images on display provide an introduction to documents on Kent’s history which are held in the archives at the Kent History and Library Centre. The archives are open to anyone with a current Kent library card to come and research their own history.
Alongside the exhibition, artist Lucy Steggals will be working with community groups. Together they will create a game about one item from the exhibition and take it to the streets of each district the exhibition visits. This work will soon be featured on a dedicated blog site – check back soon for further detail.
Coming to a space near you: The exhibition opens on 18 October, at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone. It will spend a month there before moving on to each of Kent’s 12 districts, closing in Sevenoaks next November. Next locations and dates:
| Maidstone | Kent History and Library Centre | 18 Oct – 9 Nov 2013 |
| Dartford | Dartford Library | 16 Nov – 14 Dec |
| Ashford | Stour Valley Arts Pop Up Gallery | 13 Jan – 8 Feb 2014 |
| Gravesend | Peter Blake Gallery, Woodville Halls | 12 Feb – 01 Mar |
| Folkestone | Sassoon Gallery, Folkestone Library | 06 Mar – 29 Mar |
| Sheerness | Sheerness Gateway | 12 Apr – 02 May |
| Canterbury | The Beaney | 11 Jun – 05 Jul |
| Margate | Turner Contemporary | 05 Aug – 14 Sept |
