The Renaissance in the Upside-Down “Archives” World

The war on Gaza has unfolded in real time across social media, where civilians have become primary producers of historical record. Yet these platforms operate through opaque systems of moderation, algorithmic filtering, and AI governance that shape what survives and what disappears.

Archivist and Librarian at the Palestine Land Studies Centre at the American University of Beirut, Ghada Dimashk will examines what happens when the traditional logic of the archive is inverted—when evidence is generated by the public but controlled by private digital infrastructures. In this upside-down “archives” world, visibility itself becomes a battleground for narrative reclamation. Drawing on her archival practice and cases of digital suppression and erasure, Dimashk will explore how civilian archivists intervene to preserve endangered digital records. Here, archiving emerges as an urgent and radical act of resistance.

Chairing the session is journalist and author Barney Cullum, whose research interests include exploring how radical histories contribute to manifesting radical futures. Inspired by the West Bank’s Wall Museum, visioning techniques, and interactive digital tools, he has helped facilitate GazaLivingStory. The project provides a platform for Palestinians to reject imposed reconstruction plans through sharing their memories, hopes and dreams.