Australia's Youth Culture At Risk

A new archive dedicated to Australian youth culture is being proposed by researchers from Griffith and Monash universities. The proposed archive would bring memories and objects together, including digital culture such as gaming, websites, and social media platforms.

The research, published in the journal Cultural and Social History, suggests that the archive could provide a more inclusive national history and help bridge generations. Dr. Christine Feldman-Barrett from the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research is one of the researchers proposing the archive. She believes that a formal national archive celebrating the culture young people have created, collected, and shared would provide a dynamic space for youth to better understand themselves and their contributions to society.

Paul Long, a professor at Monash University and co-author of the research, envisions an Australian archive similar to London's Museum of Youth Culture and Berlin's Archiv der Jugendkulturen. The proposed archive could help illuminate a wider scope of sociohistorical realities, such as the roles and experiences of different genders and ethnic communities.

## Why it matters The archive could also help bridge generations, helping young people see themselves as part of Australia's history while validating the experiences of older generations as worthy of historical attention. By collecting and sharing youth culture through exhibitions, workshops, digital projects, and community participation, the archive could provide a unique perspective on Australian history and culture.

The proposed archive would be a significant step towards preserving Australian youth culture, which has been created and shaped by generations of young Australians. From the rock 'n' roll and punk scenes to modern-day gaming and social media, the archive would provide a comprehensive record of the culture and experiences of young people in Australia.