The Sex Worker Archive: A Workshop on Cultural Preservation

Sex workers have long been cultural architects, with our activism, art, and politics shaping the very fabric of society. So why have we been erased from historical narratives and archives? In this workshop, archivist Amalia Valentine will speak to the importance of sex worker cultural preservation, while investigating the nuances of consent, criminality, and privacy that complicate this work. She will share examples from her developing sex worker archive and discuss methods participants can utilize to preserve their own cultural legacies. #hookers4archives

Reading: Participants will be asked to read the introduction to Ann Cvetkovich’s An Archive of Feelings in advance of the workshop. The reading will be circulated to registered participants, who are encouraged to come prepared for a discussion grounded in the text.

Mistress Amalia Valentine (she/her) is an NYC-based scholar, archivist, and activist. She studies the ethical documentation of sex worker history through an archival lens and cares deeply about preserving sex worker art and culture. 

Content note: This workshop addresses the history and cultural production of sex workers and includes discussion of sexual practices, sex work, and related topics. Archival materials presented during the workshop may include nudity, sexual imagery, and other sensitive content.

This workshop is one of three sessions designed to support submissions to our Spring 2027 Exhibition Library. Submission is not required to participate, but workshop participants are encouraged to consider submitting their work. More information can be found here.

NYU campus access guidelines: Registration is required. Non-NYU guests may be asked to present a government-issued photo ID. NYU guests must present their NYU ID.

Accessibility note: This venue has an elevator and is accessible for wheelchair users. There are single-stall, all gender restrooms available. If you have any access needs, please email csgs@nyu.edu