International Archives Week 2026: The Art of Archiving — Archives Expo Recap
June 6, 2026
The theme adopted for this year’s International Archives Week was “The Art of Archiving”. At the annual Archives Expo on 6 June, held at the Hong Kong Arts Development Council’s Arts Space in Wong Chuk Hang, TWGHs Records and Heritage Office showcased precious stone inscriptions in the form of rubbings. Highlights included the “Inscription on the Renovation of Kwong Fook Tsz” from the eighth year of the Tongzhi era (1870), and the “Kwong Wah Hospital Anti-SARS Memorial Stone” (2003), alongside rubbings and woodblock prints of other wooden and metal artifacts.
The art of rubbing is a reproduction technique that originated in the late Eastern Han dynasty and has long served as an important vessel of Chinese culture. Today, by applying this thousand-year-old craft to preserve Tung Wah’s historical archives and relics, we echo the theme “The Art of Archiving” of this year, while also paying tribute to this intangible cultural heritage.
During the Expo, we were delighted to engage with fellow professionals, members of the public, history enthusiasts, and students from Tung Wah College, sharing how Tung Wah safeguards its history. We sincerely thank everyone who attended and supported us. Our office remains committed to protecting and promoting the archives and cultural heritage of the institution.
