Mind the Gap in Archives: a short film series

Revisiting cyberfeminism: edit-a-thon & readings

Mind the Gap in Archives is a short film series project (2023- until now). By engaging and discussing archives, professionals in cultural institutions, and Wikipedia community users, this short film series aims to a better understanding about the gaps in archives, current practices to navigate societal and values change and how Wikipedia movement has played a role in this shift.

The project has been focusing in cultural institutions in Switzerland and for the moment consists of two parts:

Part 1: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mind_the_gab.webm

Part 2: (currently in post-production).

Archives of the future: Values and Beyond

In an era defined by rapid change and shifting perspectives, archives are unescapably undergoing a transformative evolution. Building upon the notion that archives are dynamic tools for social change and drawing inspiration from insightful discussions, we are embarking on a journey to create a series of videos that illuminate the path forward of the archives of the future.

Vision:

Our mission is double: first, to dive into the core values that define the new archives landscape, and second, to envision the archives of the future by identifying both the gaps and the possibilities. By engaging with a diverse range of voices – from museum professionals to artists, from official institutions to grassroots initiatives – we aim to construct new methodologies that encompass the aspirations of these dynamic entities.

Interview aims:

For our short films, we aim to explore how cultural institutions in Switzerland are navigating contemporary changes. We seek to understand their current positions, goals, and future prospects, as well as the main challenges they face in implementing values such as sustainability, digitalization, equity, decolonization, and inclusion in their practices.

We also want to highlight their connection with the Wikimedia-landscape (Wikpedia, Wikicommons etc.), examining how this relationship has influenced or altered their approaches. Finally, through a series of interviews, we aim to document their needs and hopes for the future, fostering a dialogue that imagines the future of these institutions.

Exploring New Values, our theoretical framework:

We embrace new values that are redefining the archives narratives:

Shift to the People:

Through deep interviews, we explore the impact on those represented in art, those who use archives, and the dedicated individuals across the cultural spectrum. By interweaving these narratives, we paint a holistic picture of the interconnectedness that defines the cultural landscape.

Sustainability:

Recognizing the imperatives of the climate crisis, how do archives adopt sustainable practices? We investigate how institutions adapt and contribute to the conservation of cultural heritage and the planet alike.

Digital Heritage:

As technology reshapes the boundaries of experience, we delve into the evolving realm of digital heritage. We examine how to navigate the digital space to preserve and share their archives, ensuring access for generations to come. In this context, platforms like Wikipedia play a pivotal role in the democratization of knowledge creation and sharing. Wikipedia and its sister projects (Wikicommons, Wikidata etc.) act as a dynamic repository, bridging gaps between institutions and the global community by making cultural and historical information accessible to all.

De-colonization:

A pivotal value for the future, we examine the steps archives are taking to decolonize their narratives and collections. By confronting the legacy of colonialism, how do institutions take steps towards a restorative practice?

Equity:

How do our interviewees address social inequalities, both within their structures and the stories they tell?

Film 1:

The first film was produced on 2024 and it was the first attempt to approach the questions explored above. It is made in english. It is public accessed through WikiCommons:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mind_the_gab.webm

Since its release, it has been distributed and shown in community events, academic talks and wikimedia edit-a-thons and community workshops.

Film 2:

The second film is currently in post-production. In this film, we focusing on cultural institutions on the french speaking part of Switzerland. The film is in french.