Latest News

Submitted by Andrew Martin

The preliminary programme for the IASA–BAAC 2026 Conference is now available!

Taking place from 19–22 October 2026 at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania in Vilnius, the conference will bring together professionals from around the world working across sound and audiovisual archiving, preservation, access and research.

The programme features keynote presentations, panel discussions and sessions exploring the challenges and opportunities facing audiovisual archives today. It will also provide valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, share experiences and connect with colleagues from across the international community.

Explore the preliminary programme and start planning your conference experience:

https://2026.iasa-web.org/Programm

We look forward to welcoming you to Vilnius in October!

Submitted by Andrew Martin

We're delighted to announce that Early Bird registration is now open for the IASA–BAAC Joint Conference 2026, taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 19–22 October 2026.

Archives in Times of Peace and War: Safeguarding Audiovisual Memory, Identity, and Authenticity

The conference will bring together audiovisual archivists, librarians, conservators, researchers, technologists, and cultural heritage professionals from around the world to share knowledge, ideas, and practical experience.

This year's programme explores some of the most important challenges and opportunities facing our profession, including digital preservation, access, disaster preparedness, emerging technologies, community archives, and the ongoing stewardship of audiovisual heritage.

IASA–BAAC 2026 promises an engaging programme in one of Europe's most historic capitals.

Register during the Early Bird period to secure discounted rates.

We look forward to welcoming you to Vilnius this October.

For programme updates, travel information, and conference news, visit the conference website.

Register now: https://2026.iasa-web.org/Registration

Submitted by Andrew Martin

Our brand-new member profile has officially launched, and the first issue is now in members' inboxes.

This new member profile celebrates the people, projects, and ideas that make our community so unique. Inside you'll find inspiring member stories, news and updates, opportunities for members to connect and contribute, and highlights from across our community.

Every member has a story worth telling, and this feature is a place to connect, inspire, and celebrate our shared passion for audiovisual heritage.

Not yet a member? Join IASA to receive future features and become part of a global community dedicated to preserving audiovisual heritage.

We'd love to feature your story in a future profile. We would also love to hear what you think about the new feature. Have ideas or comments? Please email communications@iasa-web.org

Submitted by Bright Joshua

Dear IASA colleagues,

As you know, 2026 is an election year for the IASA Executive Board. As stated in the IASA constitution: “The Executive Board shall be elected by the members of the Association. Any member in good standing shall be eligible to stand for election.” - See more at: http://www.iasa-web.org/iasa-constitution#part3-Exec

Submitted by Andrew Martin

The International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open to members for the IASA Travel Awards 2026.

Co-funded by IASA and UNESCO, the Travel Awards program supports members in good standing in attending the 57th Annual IASA Conference, to be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from 19–22 October 2026.

With support from IASA and UNESCO, award recipients will have the opportunity to engage with international colleagues, share knowledge and experiences, and contribute to discussions that shape the future of audiovisual archiving, preservation, and access.

The IASA Conference is a unique forum for professionals, researchers, students, and practitioners working across the audiovisual heritage sector. Participants gain valuable opportunities for professional development, networking, and collaboration while engaging with current challenges and emerging practices in the field.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 12 July 2026.

How to Apply

Full details regarding eligibility, application requirements, and the application form are available on the IASA website:

https://iasa-web.org/travel-awards

For more information about the 57th Annual IASA Conference in Vilnius, please visit:

https://2026.iasa-web.org/2026-Welcome

We encourage eligible members to consider applying and look forward to welcoming participants from around the world to Vilnius in October 2026.

Submitted by Andrew Martin.

The International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives (IASA) and the Baltic Audiovisual Archival Council (BAAC) are pleased to announce the IASA–BAAC Joint Conference 2026, titled Archives in Times of Peace and War: Safeguarding Audiovisual Memory, Identity, and Authenticity.

The conference will take place 19-22 October 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania, at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.

About the Conference

This year’s conference invites submissions that examine how audiovisual archives can be safeguarded in times of peace and war, with a focus on protecting memory, identity, and authenticity in crisis. Key themes include preparedness and resilience planning, protecting people and collections during conflict, preserving threatened community archives (including queer, feminist, and immigrant voices), and ensuring the authenticity of audiovisual records in the age of AI and misinformation.

Proposals for presentations, panels, workshops, and posters are welcome from archivists, researchers, technologists, community practitioners, collectors, artists, organizers and cultural heritage professionals.

Interested presenters are encouraged to consult the Call for Submissions section of the conference website for full guidelines and submission instructions.

Key Dates

• Proposal deadline extension: 27 April 2026

• Further information and submission details: https://2026.iasa-web.org/

We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming the global audiovisual archiving community to Vilnius in 2026