The Centre for Computing History has received a £93,200 grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, run by the Museums Association for its new project, 'Broken Tech: Broken Earth.' This exciting initiative will engage the local community in exploring the environmental and social impacts of the tech boom. 

The Centre for Computing History’s collection celebrates the incredible evolution of computing technology over the past 80 years. However, with tech embedded in all our lives, and the UK predicted to generate over 30,000 tons of e-waste a week by the end of this year, the museum is keen to work with local people and organisations to explore how to reinterpret their collection and tell alternative stories about the environmental impact of tech.  

Lisa McGerty, CEO of the centre, said,  

“While many museums are grappling with how to tell the stories of objects from cultures that were affected by colonialism, this is our equivalent ‘skeleton in the closet’. Our collection commemorates amazing technological progress, but if we do not critically examine our collections and displays now, future visitors will rightly question why we ignored this crucial aspect of the objects we collect and showcase.  

We are delighted to be awarded this grant, which will allow us to work with local people to co-design an approach to this challenge and find out how we can tell these local and global stories in a way that inspires real change.” 

The Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund is run by the Museums Association, funding projects that develop collections to achieve social impact. Since its launch in 2011, it has awarded 178 grants totaling over £12.9 million.  

For more information about the Centre for Computing History please visit www.computinghistory.org.uk, and to register your interest in taking part in Broken Tech: Broken Earth, please email projects@computinghistory.org.uk.  

Notes for Editors: 

The Centre for Computing History is a charitable heritage organisation with a strong focus on learning. Based in Cambridge, the Centre helps people understand how tech has shaped the modern world and revolutionised the way we live, work and play through interactive displays and exhibitions, an Education programme, learning events and workshops, and an astonishing collection of computing-related artefacts. 

Contact: Lizzie Salter, 07803 724689, lizzie@computinghistory.org.uk  

About the Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund 

The Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund is run by the Museums Association, funding projects that develop collections to achieve social impact. Since its launch in 2011, it has awarded 178 grants totaling over £12.9 million.  

https://www.museumsassociation.org/funding/esmee-fairbairn-collections-fund/ 

Date : 12-08-2024