Choosing Topics
Participants tackled a wide range of topics, from well-known artists to niche subjects, each with a personal connection to their chosen edits. Some dove into the world of art, using their knowledge to contribute meaningful additions to Wikipedia’s coverage of cultural figures and movements.
One shared, “I wrote a comprehensive article about Stephen Towns, an acclaimed artist based in Baltimore, Maryland. He is known for his innovative work that blends painting with fiber arts.” This deep dive into an artist's career demonstrates how Wikipedia can spotlight lesser-known yet significant contributors to the cultural landscape.
Others focused on refining existing articles by adding citations and improving accuracy. One participant added to the page of the Miami art space, “The Bakehouse Art Complex,” while another worked on a more personal note, editing the bio of an artist they admired: “Mati Klarwein.” These contributions reflect a desire to enhance the factual reliability of the articles by supporting them with verified information.
“There wasn’t a page for it before, and I wanted to add to the visibility of the film.”
For some, their edits were inspired by the desire to bring visibility to overlooked subjects. One editor worked on an article about the 1994 film El elefante y la bicicleta, noting, “There wasn’t a page for it before, and I wanted to add to the visibility of the film.” Another participant created an article about a beloved local initiative: “I wrote the Bookleggers article because I find it so interesting being able to highlight and put in Wikipedia map organizations that are so important to Miami’s cultural scene.” These edits reflect a passion for giving recognition to cultural landmarks that might not receive widespread attention but have deep local significance.
Some participants found themselves contributing to niche or emerging topics. One person shared their excitement about creating something new: “Cute, Cute Accelerationism on my sandbox, not an article yet,” highlighting their work on an article still in development. Another worked on a broader scope, adding knowledge about significant art movements: “Purvis Young, Nam June Paik, Technoromanticism. I edited these because I knew of a few sources and facts that I could contribute to each page.”
“Purvis Young, Nam June Paik, Technoromanticism. I edited these because I knew of a few sources and facts that I could contribute to each page.”
Ultimately, the workshop showcased a diverse range of edits fueled by personal interests, local pride, and a desire to enrich Wikipedia’s global knowledge base. Whether adding citations, crafting new articles, or supporting fellow editors, each participant contributed to the collaborative spirit of Wikipedia.
