CUDC Spring Lecture Series - Taylor Kabeary and Eduardo Duarte Ruas, Preservation Side B
11 February 2022 from noon-1pm
Virtual lecture - Zoom link
Preservation Side B is rooted in celebrating and highlighting aspects of preservation in marginalized communities left out of traditional preservation teachings and practices.
As the world changes, our practices of preservation, planning, and placemaking must adapt to the need for equality, equity, and inclusion. Our fields must undergo a change from traditional practices of exclusion and narrowness (Side As) to embracing more modern practices of inclusion and expansiveness (Side Bs). How can we form a hybrid between Sides As and Side Bs to form strong practices that protect, include, and serve many communities? How can we form Side Cs? This workshop will provide a guide on how to view Side As and Side Bs of preservation and adjacent fields, and theorize on what Side Cs look and feel like.
Preservation Side B is a project founded by Taylor Kabeary (she/her) and Eduardo Duarte Ruas (he/him), two advocates and preservationists based in New York City. The project is rooted in telling stories, honoring places, and re-centering narratives of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities usually left out of traditional preservation teaching and practice. Preservation Side B’s goal is to tell stories to inspire people to find their own stories and bring awareness/legacy to places and traditions unique to them. Preservation Side B advocates for a disruptive practice to dismantle elitism, racism, and colonialism that drive current heritage concepts. The name of the project comes from the music industry, and it represents Side B’s goals well. B-sides are the non-title track songs on albums, which are generally given less attention by the public and media. However, B-Sides of tapes and records have their histories, stories, motivations, and successes. By looking at the core issues of preservation from an academic and professional standpoint, Preservation Side B outlines the steps necessary for a revolution in preservation, serving as a guide to recent graduates to create a more equitable future.