Digital Knowledge

I chose to submit to an art exhibit from Embracing Our Differences Inc. This institution solicits participation by encouraging people to send in their artwork to be examined, which is another form of participation in which non-artists, who may not be comfortable sending something in, can be a part of the process. Having a free contest of this nature would be appealing to those who wish to show off their skill, as well as provide a safe and anonymous environment for those who would like to show off their work but remain unrecognized. There is also a cash prize of $6000. The audience that would be most affected are artists and photographers, whether they are professionals or amateurs. Another group that this campaign targets may be participators, or those who like to be involved in their community and other projects, for the sake of those projects or for research in general. 

I don’t think there was any ambiguity in the information provided. The information and process on the website was pretty straightforward. The directions were also clear. All the information needed was stated and spaces were provided to enter that information. 

To lessen risks to their project, the institution may seek help in a legal aspect, since they are using others’ artwork or photographs. This institution probably had many conversations about how they wanted to go about this project. The website did collect information about the submitted artwork and for personal information so there should be little risk involved in the winner not being recognized and therefore given the prize money. I did have to create an account to participate in this project. I am a very private person and I generally do not like to give out any personal information, but to create an account, I needed to give specific information. I used my real email but a fake name and no last name. The website asked for my address as well, which I was not comfortable with at all, so I put a fake one in. They have my real email though, to contact me.

I have no personal experience with crowdsourcing until this project. A problem I had was finding an exhibit or project that was open to submit something. They should really have a list of open projects on their website so it would be easier to access and so you will not have to search forever to find it. Besides this, technology is so easily accessible that having projects like this online will allow much more people to participate than if mail or in person was used. Another issue museums may face is the disinterest of the younger generation in participating in projects, although having a prize that involves money making still be appealing to some. Technology is always adapting and so shall the systems that we use for information and communication. Museums will try different techniques to engage people and use what works, and when that no longer works, they will find another option.