back2back: Archival Bodies

Step inside V&A East Storehouse—a first-of-its-kind collection space where history is in motion, and archives are open for limitless exploration.  

For one day only, artists, makers, and performers will introduce the V&A East Storehouse as a space for trust, care, and radical access. Site-responsive installations, immersive experiences, and live performances will challenge the boundaries between audience and archive, inviting you to engage with the V&A collections in unexpected ways. 

At the heart of the event, playbody—a creative collective and architectural design studio—will reimagine the Storehouse as a playground for human connection. Through a bold upcycling of everyday materials, they will craft an environment that invites reflection, relaxation, and active participation. Immerse yourself in sensorial interventions designed to foster intimacy and connection between bodies, objects, and place. Dip into ambient DJ sets from Gloria Rose, Li Yi Lei, Lo-Low and cass playing b2b with Mola Mola. Experience live performances from HEZEN, S3BA, Xiaoqiao, SEMARĀ (S3BA, Hḗrā, maxxxim), Maya Luna (ceno2) and special playbodies Dodo Potato, Alison Facun, Eric Castellarnau, Parti Blu, Simeon Taylor and madge zzz + more artists.

Step into the Storehouse. Move through the collections. Become part of a living archive.

Filming and photography will take place at this event. If you have any access requirements, please let us know in advance by emailing accessibility@vam.ac.uk

Supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art.