Shannon Lucky: Doing what we can with what we know

This talk is presented in conjunction with Spring Fever: Vancouver Independent Archives 2017.

Many Canadian artist-run centres (ARCs) have accumulated unique archive collections of show documentation, artist publications, centre histories, and original work but there are few institutional supports to maintain and make these collections accessible. Traditionally engaged in supporting emerging artists, new experimental work, and local perspectives and issues, artist-run centres have not typically had archiving mandates but there is a growing interest in ARCs across the country to do something with the physical and digital materials they have saved. In this presentation, Lucky discusses the findings from her research interviews with the directors of nine ARCs in Alberta and Saskatchewan and what we can learn from the challenges and opportunities they have faced in developing successful archive projects. She will also outline her current collaborative project with Alex Rogalski and PAVED Arts in Saskatoon to create a framework for developing a digital archive that is useful, ethically represents the community, and will be sustainable for their centre over the long term.

Following the presentation we would like to invite attendees to join us in an open conversation around their experiences in managing their archives on the organizational or individual level. We hope to explore the unique nature of these collections, efforts to preserve and activate them, and the associated challenges through dialogue. Feel free to bring any material or projects you would like to share. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be available.

BIO
Shannon Lucky is an Assistant Librarian in the Library Systems & Information Technology unit at the University of Saskatchewan Library. Her research focuses on how usable, open source technology can support the information practices of non-expert people and communities, particularly in the preservation and use of cultural heritage collections. With a background in the digital humanities, Shannon is passionate about the value of making computational methods and tools accessible to everyone. She holds a BA in History from the University of Saskatchewan, BFA in Photography from Concordia University in Montreal, and an MLIS and MA in Humanities Computing from the University of Alberta. Her current work explores the potential for digital archiving in Canadian artist-run centres and how these projects can be developed in useful and sustainable ways that also reflect the values of artist-run communities.

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Spring Fever: Vancouver Independent Archives
This spring season, Vancouver Independent Archives offers a series of free public talks, screenings and community workshops that foreground local art and art history by drawing on the archives of Vancouver’s independent arts community.

Full program details at http://archivesweek.ca/
More info