Writing her-story
Image by the AGO.
It’s estimated that only 10 per cent of Wikipedia editors identify as female. The content on Wikipedia skews the same way. The result? Too many women artists are missing from one of the Internet’s largest resources.
On Saturday, March 24, the AGO’s Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon offers a free space and access to extensive resources you can use to update those citations Wikipedia articles need. Best of all, everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary as there will be tutorials and one-on-one coaching available. Bring your own laptop and get ready to Wiki!
A panel discussion will kick off the event at 11 am and will explore collaboration as a feminist strategy. Amy Furness, the AGO’s Rosamond Ivey Special Collections Archivist and Head of Library & Archives, will moderate the discussion with Toronto-based artists Madelyne Beckles, Amy Wong, Johanna Householder, and FAG (Feminist Art Gallery).
We asked Amy Furness for more insight into the event. “This year, we want to highlight Toronto histories of feminism, including the city’s incredible history of performance art and video,” Furness said. “The panel of artists will help us delve into the topic a little deeper. As always, visitors are welcome to write on any topic that increases the diversity of Wikipedia articles (as long as the information is factual and correct).”
Come learn about artists like Kipwani Kiwanga, Randy & Berenicci, Elizabeth Chitty, Louise Liliefeldt and more. Or expand an existing page with more facts and detail. It’s also a great way to celebrate, collaborate, feel empowered and have fun.
The AGO’s Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon takes place in the Edward P. Taylor Library & Archives on Saturday, March 24, from 11 am to 5 pm, with Editing Tutorials at 12:30 and 2 pm. Share your thoughts on social using the hashtags: #AGOToronto #ArtAndFeminism. Don’t forget your laptop and please create a Wikipedia account in advance! Children are also welcome – but pre-registration is required by the end of today, March 20. Please pre-register them for a children’s art workshop for ages 5–12 during the Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon.
Looking for more? We’re also hosting a deep-dive focused on women artists in the Library & Archives collection on March 28.
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