Archives Unlocked

Matt Hancock Excerpts

Wednesday 29th March 2017 Written Statements

[The Minister for Digital and Culture (Matt Hancock)]

I am delighted to announce the publication of “Archives Unlocked”, a new strategic vision for archives across England. It is available online at www.nationalarchives. gov.uk.

The National Archives leads 2,500 archives in England, a diverse landscape of national regional and local archives. Together they form a unique network of rich archival collections. Archives Unlocked is an ambitious vision that recognises and celebrates the value of archives within the wider culture sector, and across our society. At its heart is a recognition of the opportunities provided by new technologies and digital transformation—opening up our collections to all like never before and encouraging innovation across creative industries and businesses. As the UK strives to take its place as a world-leading digital economy, Archives Unlocked will help drive the digital transformation needed across the archives sector.

Accompanying the strategic vision is an action plan focused on building digital capacity; engineering resilience; and demonstrating impact. I believe that by working together with The National Archives, partners and funders, Britain’s brilliant archives will be able to thrive and contribute fully to the nation’s cultural, intellectual and economic future.

[HCWS571]