Asia Art Archive (AAA) and Raking Leaves in partnership with Groundviews, Goethe Institut, and University of Jaffna present ‘Open Edit: Mobile Library’ in Sri Lanka.

‘Open Edit: Mobile Library’ is a traveling archive of contemporary art books from AAA that brings a selection of materials from its collection to different cities in Asia. This year, following its first edition in Ho Chi Minh City in 2011, the Mobile Library made its first appearance in South Asia, traveling to Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It now moves to its second Sri Lankan location in Colombo, accompanied by the Sri Lanka Archive of Contemporary Art, Architecture & Design, launched in Jaffna as part of the project by AAA and Raking Leaves. The first of its kind in the country, this Archive will continue independently after the Mobile Library closes in Sri Lanka. Second copies of many materials collected by the Sri Lanka Archive will be donated to AAA, enriching its representation of Sri Lanka for international audiences.

‘Through Open Edit: Mobile Library, AAA hopes to increase the depth and density of available resources on contemporary art in Asia, while at the same time enriching and strengthening knowledge networks. This collaboration with Raking Leaves encourages the development of new perspective on contemporary art in South Asia, an area we are working to build within our collection, ‘ said AAA Head of Research and Programmes Hammad Nasar.

The Mobile Library collection is comprised of 400 books, exhibition catalogues, periodicals, and monographs. The Library was housed at Christa Seva Ashram in Jaffna for three months before travelling to Colombo. A 2-day programme of talks (including a film screening) about the subject of the archive titled ‘Open Talk’ and an exhibition of works in response to the project titled ‘Open Call’ accompany the project along with the Sri Lanka Archive of Contemporary Art, Architecture & Design.

‘A library such as this one has no precedent in Sri Lanka and promises to generate a lasting impression upon the country’s cultural sector, particularly its students and artists. The decision to work directly with the visual art-related academic bodies at the University of Jaffna underlines the project’s educational focus. It also recognises the increasing influence of Jaffna’s art education department within the country,’ said Sharmini Pereira, Director of Raking Leaves.

Opening Reception: 5 July 2013, 7-9pm

Opening Hours: 6-7 July 2013, 10am-6pm

Free admission