THE ARCHIVE
The archive of existence
The Archive of Existence is a global participatory storytelling project that collects ordinary stories about the ordinary moments in people’s lives; so we can witness, document, and preserve our everyday experiences and the meaningful minutiae of being human.
We’re told we have to earn our place in the history books by doing something remarkable. But through this co-created art project, you become part of history simply by sharing the small stuff that often goes unnoticed, because those moments are proof that you existed, and they’re what truly shapes us.
What brief encounter did someone in Hackney have in a bakery today? Did someone imprisoned in Texas have a phone call that would make us laugh? Maybe your neighbour ate something for breakfast that brought them untold joy. These moments, the ones in between the big plot lines of life, belong in the story of humanity.
This isn’t about the highlight reels, genius inventions, bestselling books, milestones and awards. It’s about you slathering whipped butter on crusty bread. The love you have for your local oak tree. The stories that deserve to be seen by people today and preserved for those who come after us.
The Archive of Existence reimagines the mundane as a way to democratise art and wellbeing, strengthen creative expression, build legacies, and improve literacy, especially for those often left out of collective narratives. Most of all, it encourages us to stop waiting for extraordinary things to happen and recognise the beauty in the ordinary things that are always happening.
Because ultimately, the mundane isn’t the backdrop of our lives, it’s actually the bedrock.
YOU'RE INVITED TO BE A CO-CREATOR...
Everyone and every moment deserves a place in history.
Be a part of it and join the global art project by submitting your story, or what we call an Existence Record.
how to submit your story
some ideas
honestly, no pressure
need more guidance?
or, inspiration?
Here are a few stories people have shared:
• The cinnamon bun you ate cross-legged in the park at the weekend
• The snails you befriended and named on a recent walk in the rain
• The late-night chat with your neighbour while taking the bins out that made you feel seen
• The sound of kids playing in the street drifting through your window
• Your grandma singing while baking her fruit cake
• The smell of your dad’s leather jacket that you borrowed
• The appreciation on the shop owner’s face when you ran back to the store to pay after your card declined
This isn’t a storytelling contest. It’s not about perfect writing or being the most polished speaker.
We don’t care about grammar or spelling.
This is a global project, so you can also submit in any language that flows best for you.
The submission form at the link below includes some creative prompts to help you. If you prefer to share in person or in community, look out for one of our salon events, or collection pop-ups.
Browse a few stories to get you in creative mode here.
what to submit
Through the below form, send us:
• A written story called an Existence Record (100-400 words)
Tell us about a recent moment. Something seemingly ordinary, mundane or fleeting, that you experienced, felt or observed, that stuck with you in some way. We’re not looking for major milestones or big events, just the small moments that meant something to you.
Sorry, not sorry, but we don’t want the big story about you getting engaged. We do want to hear about the conversation you had with someone on the train about chewing gum that made you both delirious with laughter a few hours before you got engaged.
SUBMIT YOUR EXISTENCE RECORD HERE
