Iyapo Repository is a resource library which houses a collection of digital and physical artifacts created to affirm and project the future of people of African descent. The collection is managed and developed through a series of participatory workshops where participants become archivists of a future history they envision.

still from Iyapo Films: Artifact111

Participants sketch and rapid prototype future artifacts in domains of food, music, politics, fashion, etc.

Here are examples of future artifact sketches.

The repository then works to bring a select few of these artifacts to life so that they are completely technologically functioning objects that stay true to the participants’ original blueprints. Alongside the art and artifacts collection, Iyapo Repository also hosts manuscripts, films, and rare books, and more.

photo by Derek Schultz

photo by Kearra Amaya Gopee

photos by Derek Schultz

photo by Magali Duzant

photo by Kearra Amaya Gopee

photos by Ryan Michael White