The Endangered Material Knowledge Programme (EMKP) is a major grant-giving programme that supports research on material knowledge systems that are under threat and in danger of disappearing. This includes knowledge systems associated with the making, use, repair and re-purposing of material objects, spaces, architecture, performances and environments. Our aim is to highlight, document, preserve and make accessible through an open-access digital repository a global record of endangered activities and knowledge.

Scholars from across the world can apply for funding to spend time with communities recording practices through a range of formats that include film, audio recordings, photographs, 3D and written records. We also strongly encourage applications that include reference to and/or use of existing museum collections, including, but not restricted to, the British Museum collections. This might include use of objects and images as an elicitation device or work that connects contemporary practices and knowledge systems with museum collections and catalogues.

EMKP was launched in 2018 and is funded by Arcadia – a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin, and hosted by the Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas at the British Museum.