Grants:Project/Rapid/Wikipedia edit-a-thons/trainings centered on Jamaican artists in Kingston, Jamaica.
gmail.com
Please see the sample Editathon/Training application before drafting your application.
Project Goal
[edit]Choose one or more of the following goals. You can add or delete goals as needed.
- Recruit new editors
- Add or improve content
Project Plan
[edit]Activities
[edit]Tell us how you'll carry out your project. Be sure to answer the following questions:
1. Are you doing one editathon or training or a series of editathons or trainings?
- I am planning a series of 3 edit-a-thons/trainings during December 2018 (8th, 15th and 22nd) in Kingston, Jamaica during my tenure as an artist-in-residence at NLS Kingston, an artist-run organization that allows artists space for experimentation and development of new projects. Tying into my proposed research on post-colonial identity through visual art, these edit-a-thons will focus on developing articles about Jamaican artists. While these will be focused on art specifically, it is my hope that participants will pursue their own interests independently with the skills they gain from these trainings.
2. How will you let your community know about the event? Please paste links below to where relevant communities have been notified of your proposal, and to any other relevant community discussions.
- I will be using NLS’ network of artists, cultural workers and educators to spread the word about the events. Jamaica does not have an existing community of editors so this event will serve as a catalyst for its’ potential development. I will be compiling a work list of several Jamaican artists with the assistance of the residency’s director.
3. Do you have experienced Wikimedia editors to lead the event?
- I have two experienced editors who will help lead the first event (@Heathart and @Fishantena) via Skype while I will provide in-person support. I am a photographer and usually contribute images to Wikimedia Commons so I will lead events and also take photographs of artists who attend. I will also show participants how to upload their own images.
4. Do participants have the equipment or skills needed to participate and contribute high quality content? If not, how will you support them?
- I will be hosting the events in my studio space at NLS, which has a stable internet connection. I am currently in talks to possibly relocate to a public library so that participants will be able to come without owning a laptop of their own. This will also make the event more open to people who live in the area who are not necessarily involved in formal art making. Through the residency, I have access to several history texts and art catalogs that participants can use to conduct research on their artist of choice. There will also be a scanner on hand so participants can digitize images and documents in their possession that are relevant to their research or to others’. Local artists will be encouraged to donate photographs of themselves or of their work that they have the rights to.
5. How will you engage participants after the event(s)?'
- During the series I hope to identify Kingston-based editors with interest in continuing their work. I will create a Facebook group and aid in creating a Wikipedia: Kingston community page where future events can be coordinated. Participants will be encouraged to attend all planned events. The goal is to make participants confident enough in their editing skills that they feel comfortable editing and organizing events on their own after I have left NLS Kingston. This is critical as I believe that people should have the tools necessary to articulate their own histories. I will make sure that they can contact me with any questions they may have. I edit monthly with Black Lunch Table online meetup group so I will encourage Kingston-based folks to join that group as well and lead them to places they can seek support in the future.
6. Is there anything else you want to tell us about this project?
- N/A
Impact
[edit]How will you know if the project is successful and you've met your goals? Please include the following targets:
- Number of events: 3
- Number of participants: 15
- Number of new editors: 15
- Number of of articles created or improved: 10
- Number of repeat participants (for projects that include a series of events): 15
Resources
[edit]What resources do you have? Include information on who is organizing the project, what they will do, and if you will receive support from anywhere else (in-kind donations or additional funding).
- Currently there is a lack of Wikimedia editors in the Caribbean. There is no Jamaican meetup or user group as far as I’ve been able to find. I’d like to share the importance of Wikimedia with potential editors and give them hands-on help that will encourage them to become regular editors.
The space and internet will be provided for free and we will have two experienced editors and one photographer, as well as volunteers from the host organization itself. I will be coordinating all events. A separate room will be allocated for childcare.
What resources do you need? For your funding request, list bullet points for each expense and include a total amount.
- Food and drink = $100USD x 3 events = $300
Child care = 4 hrs x $25/hr USD x 3 events = $300 Miscellaneous supplies = $270 USD (includes name tags, printing cheatsheets, etc., note that local printing costs are expensive) Travel reimbursement for those with need (students from neighbouring areas, disabled people, the elderly etc.): $200USD (estimated cost based on local travel fees)
Total: $1070 Inflation is currently at an all time high in Jamaica, hence higher than average costs.
Endorsements
[edit]Community members are encouraged to endorse your project request here!