“Artists of colour” does not exist.
E.P. Taylor Research Library & Archives, Art Gallery of Ontario 317 Dundas St W.
Wiki Meetup
In partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario
Inspired by the successful Art+Feminism Wikipedia edit-a-thons, whose aim was to populate the space of Wikipedia with wom*n artists, this edit-a-thon will focus on the inadequate representation of artists of colour on Wikipedia.
Wikipedia is a vast resource, but it is also an analogue of the art world at-large, in that artists of colour are often underrepresented within its pages. The dearth of solo shows featuring artists of colour in Canadian institutions has been well documented. Among Wikipedia’s guidelines, a standard for “notability” dictates that there be multiple third-party sources about a given topic, in order to justify its inclusion. Since artists of colour have been systematically excluded from exhibitions, publications, archives, and other “legitimizing structures”, there exist few resources that can serve to bolster attempts at including marginalized artists on Wikipedia.
But together, we can change that.
Using materials from the AGO’s archives, online resources, and any other sources you’d like to bring, AGO Archivist Amy Furness will lead a hands-on tutorial, guiding you through the process of creating and editing a Wiki article. The tutorial will be followed by open editing time, where participants will have the opportunity to share ideas and resources, and hopefully, generate some content, too.
This program is free and open to all. Snacks will be provided. Participants will need access to a laptop (if you don’t have one, please contact us at the email below).
Communications Director, Aliya Pabani on CBC’s Metro Morning with Matt Galloway (5 April 2016)