What if your memories could become a work of art?Ledby MansA, the Banque d’archives populaires is launching a major collection of photographs and personal stories focusing on African migration and the ties—near and far—that bind us to Africa.
From May 30 to June 14, 2026, an initial collection drive will be held at the Ferme du Buisson, a venue dedicated to contemporary creation and the dialogue between the arts and social narratives. During this period, everyone is invited to come share an image and the story behind it.
Family albums, old photographs, snapshots of everyday life, or travel mementos: these personal archives, often kept within the private sphere, become here fragments of memory to be passed on. By sharing their stories, they take on a new dimension—that of a shared narrative, at the intersection of the personal and the collective.
The People’s Archive Bank is thus taking shape as a living, evolving collection, enriched by the voices and experiences of those who contribute to it. It gives a voice to stories that are sometimes absent from official accounts, and helps to build a diverse history of migration, heritage, and belonging.
This initial collection marks the starting point of a traveling project that will be rolled out across mainland France and its overseas territories. Ultimately, these archives will give rise to a digital work, to be presented at MansA in 2028.
JOIN THE PROJECT
Choose your photo collection – Select an image that means something to you: a family photo, a travel souvenir, a snapshot of everyday life, or a memento of a memorable moment. Your photo collection should tell a story that you want to share.
Contact us – Call us or message us on WhatsApp at 06.87.19.28.81 to get more information and schedule an appointment.
The big day: Meet at the Ferme du Buisson – Bring your archives with you. Once there, they will be carefully digitized and made available in our dedicated kiosk.
Share your story – Our team will welcome you at our booth to hear the story behind your connection to this image. You may come alone or with someone else.
Help build a living archive collection – Your story will be added to the People’s Archive Bank: a living collection, currently under development, that will form the basis of a digital work to be presented at MansA in 2028.
