Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Wiki Loves Monuments Statia (ID: 22212470)/Final Report
Report Status: Under review
Due date: 2023-11-23T00:00:00Z
Funding program: Rapid Fund
Report type: Final
This is an automatically generated Meta-Wiki page. The page was copied from Fluxx, the grantmaking web service of Wikimedia Foundation where the user has submitted their midpoint report. Please do not make any changes to this page because all changes will be removed after the next update. Use the discussion page for your feedback. The page was created by CR-FluxxBot.General information[edit]
- Applicant username: Tvculture
- Organization name: N/A
- Amount awarded: 4350
- Amount spent: 29200 USD, 28650
Part 1: Project and impact[edit]
1. Describe the implemented activities and results achieved. Additionally, share which approaches were most effective in supporting you to achieve the results. (required)
Firstly: this report is unfortunately long overdue: the final deliverables of the supported activity (the publishing of a commemorative book) have just been delivered last week, so only now are we able to give a full account of all the activities.Secondly: our thanks for the financial support which made the project possible, together with additional funding of the Cultural Participation Fund in the Netherlands. Thirdly: thank you for the help we received from your team who was always encouraging and understanding of the obstacles we had to overcome, especially MIchelle van Lanschot.
This was the very first time that Wiki Loves Monuments was held in Sint Eustatius and the realization of the project hit quite a few challenges. However, although the scheduling went off the rails, in the end we managed to accomplish our goals and even more, to create impact and results that far exceeded what we though was possible. It gave us the full confidence that with more preparation time and having learned from our experiences, we can make Wiki Loves Monuments even more successful and impactful event every year.
Before we get to the report of the event organizers Shandra and Vanessa Rouse who did the work, let me first discuss some challenges and other points of information. 1. We started late and in the summer, which was not ideal for involving the schools in our project. As Wiki Loves Monuments did not exist on our island and was unknown by our community, it took at the start of the project a lot of time to explain and get people and organizations to join in. 2. The cooperation with several organizations, including a local NGO and the island government needed to be established. The government enthusiastically participated in the project at every level but could not always assist as we had hoped. However, as the main subsidy of the project was organized through a local foundation, the cash flow turned out to be a serious problem at the start of the projects which was one of the main causes of delay in the execution. 3. We wanted WLM to have a real impact and Shandra and Vanessa and their team created an award ceremony in the ruins of the cultural centre in Oranjestad, to make a point and to bring cultural events back to the center of town, which was not easy but which resulted in an extraordinary event. This was not just showing the winning photos and the youth participation, this was a cultural event that the island had not seen before: it was a signal that culture will return to the city. The ruins of the Madam Theatre are a special location and it was the first time a cultural event was organized here for many years. The Madam Theatre will be restored in the years to come and this was a wonderful way to start that process by showing the talent of Statia's photographers. 4. The Government Information Service could not directly participate in the competition, but they did publish hundreds of photos on WikiCommons as part of the project
Wiki Loves Monuments (WLM) is the world's largest photo contest held annually in September. The goal is to make cultural heritage of participating countries (more) visible to the public. Vanessa and Shandra Rouse, owners of marketing & communications company Duo Brandits, decided to organize a Walk-Through Photo Gallery in St. Eustatius as part of this effort. Below, they share their inspiring story of passion, perseverance and unity.
The Genesis of an Idea Statia, with its revered monuments and rich history, provided the perfect canvas for this ambitious project. Wolter Braamhorst, communication advisor to the island initiated the WLM project on the personal conviction that Statia's rich cultural heritage should be much better known to the world. There were very few public, good quality photos of the island that is culturally and historically so significant. Vanessa and Shandra Rouse immediately understood the project and with passion and a lot of work and perseverance they not only organized WLM on Sint Eustatius for the very first time, they decided that the photo competition should result in a spectacular cultural event with lasting impact. The collective goal was to engage our community in a unique celebration of heritage through a physical expo - a first for Statia and Wiki Loves Monuments. The vision was bold: to create a impactful space where people could walk through history, illuminated by the WLM photographs taken by our local community, with a special emphasis on the youth.
Collaborative Foundations Engaging with a range of vendors, stakeholders from local officials to international contributors was crucial. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Culture participation Fund in the European Netherlands and the WMF Rapid Fund for their generous financial support, which was instrumental in bringing Monumental Moments to life.
Community Involvement We invited our community to contribute their perspectives, capturing and submitting photographs of local monuments. By advertising participation, we ensured that the event represented a true collective effort, embodying the spirit of unity and shared history. Recognizing the importance of fostering a love for heritage in the younger generation, we conducted several workshops in schools. The enthusiastic participation of students and the promise of their budding talent was a beacon of hope for the continuation of such cultural endeavors. At the same time we advertised the competition through the Government Information Service website, which resulted in photos that were submitted in time for the WLM competition. Unfortunately, as a result of the cash flow problem with the foundation that was in charge the subsidy from the Dutch funding foundation, the students could not participate in the competition on time. However, we did manage to sort it out in time for the main event and held a separate competition for the youth and showed their photos during the awards exhibition. Also, the photos of the participants to WLM Sint Eustatius, together with the photos taken by the youth, have now been published in a commemorative book which was published in May 2024, a lasting memory of WLM Sint Eustatius 2024.
The Milestone Event When the inaugural day of the expo on 21/22 December 2023 arrived, it was a culmination of months of meticulous planning, collaboration, and anticipation. The expo in the ruins of the Madam Theatre became a living museum, with each photograph telling a story, each story inviting reflection. The success of the event was not just in its execution but in the message, it conveyed: that together, we can create platforms to celebrate and preserve our collective heritage.
Reflecting on Success and Looking Ahead The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, turning what started as a bold idea into a proposed annual event. For others inspired to organize a similar event, our story stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets perseverance.
Statia's Monumental Moments/WLM photo competition and expo wasn't just an event; it was a statement. A statement that heritage matters, that community involvement is powerful, and that global initiatives like Wiki Loves Monuments can transcend digital boundaries and become a tangible experience. As we reflect on this historic milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made it possible. Our story is a beacon of inspiration, not just for Statia but for countries around the world. Let's continue to celebrate our heritage, one photograph at a time, and keep creating monumental moments together.
Report on the main event on 21/22 December 2023: Monumental Moments Event and Wiki Loves Monuments project Sint Eustatius We are pleased to present a report on the Monumental Moments event, which was made possible by WikiMedia's Rapid Fund and Fund for Cultural Participation. Monumental Moments, the first event of its kind in Statia, was an overwhelming success, captivating the community and leaving a profound impact on all who attended.
Key Highlights: Theme of Elegance: Monumental Moments embodied an atmosphere of elegance, with attentive wait staff serving drinks and hors d'oeuvres, creating a sophisticated and immersive experience for the attendees. Community Involvement: The two nights event showcased a collection of captivating photos featuring the Statian community including children, fostering local pride and deepening the connection among participants towards their cultural heritage. Musical Ambiance: The carefully selected music played during the event enhanced the overall ambiance, creating a relaxing, immersive environment that perfectly aligned with the desired guest experience. Exhibition of Monuments: One of the highlights of Monumental Moments was the exhibition of monuments. The top 50 photos of the monuments, selected from the entries received, were prominently displayed on custom-built frames. These frames were designed in such a way that the pictures appeared to float, creating a visually stunning display. This unique presentation captured the attention and awe of all who attended the event. The exhibition showcased the beauty and significance of the monuments on the island, fostering a sense of pride and appreciation for the cultural heritage.During the exhibition, the local award winners were announced. The selection was done by a local jury. Also the photos sent in by the Statian youth were recognized and awarded. All the selected photos and many more were also later published in a book, as a constant reminder of WLM 2023.
Youth participation: The involvement of the youth from different organizations on the island was highly rewarding. The event team worked closely with organizations such as after-school care programs, including Mega D Youth Foundation and A+ Academic & Professional Training Centre, to encourage young people to participate in the event. As a result, the younger generation embraced the opportunity and showcased their talent by submitting their photographs of the monuments. The winning photos from the youth participants were even more prominently highlighted during the event. These photos were displayed on a large LED screen, ensuring that the talent and creativity of the younger generation were recognized and celebrated by all attendees. The inclusion of the youth in Monumental Moments not only added vibrancy and fresh perspectives but also set the stage for inspiring future involvement in cultural projects and initiatives. Execution of Vision: The dedicated team successfully executed our vision, meticulously managing the decor, catering, wait staff, carpentry work, and volunteer coordination, ensuring a seamless and flawless execution of the event. Challenges and Achievements: Funding Delays: One of the challenges encountered was a delay in receiving the funding from the partner foundation on St. Eustatius,who was the receiver of the subsidy of the Fund for Culture Participation. This unforeseen delay resulted in a setback in the planning timeline. Despite the delays, the team's perseverance and commitment allowed us to create an exceptional event that resonated deeply with the guests.However, the youth photos could not participate in the WLM international competition as a result. Logistical Considerations: Due to the limited availability of certain items on the island, it was necessary to purchase and import them to Statia. This highlights the importance of having sufficient time allotted for event planning and procurement to ensure a seamless execution. We hope that in future collaborations, a more streamlined process can be established with local foundations to facilitate efficient logistical arrangements. Heartfelt Feedback: A truly magical moment occurred when one of the attendees approached us to express his overwhelming happiness and nostalgia. He described how stepping into the transformed event space took him back to his childhood, giving him goosebumps and creating memories that he would cherish for a lifetime. When asked if he could remember such a cultural event on the island, he said 'never'.
In conclusion, the success of WLM/Monumental Moments was a testament to the vision, dedication, and support provided by WikiMedia's Rapid Fund and the Dutch Fund for Cultural Participation. The event not only showcased the cultural and historical richness of Statia but also created an unforgettable experience that resonated deeply within the community. We are grateful for the funding provided and look forward to further collaboration to create more memorable Monumental Moments in the future.
2. Documentation of your impact. Please use space below to share links that help tell your story, impact, and evaluation. (required)
Share links to:
- Project page on Meta-Wiki or any other Wikimedia project
- Dashboards and tools that you used to track contributions
- Some photos or videos from your event. Remember to share access.
You can also share links to:
- Important social media posts
- Surveys and their results
- Infographics and sound files
- Examples of content edited on Wikimedia projects
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wiki_Loves_Monuments_2023_in_Sint_Eustatius https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=GIS+Statia&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image https://www.wikimedia.nl/actueel/blog/monumental-moments-in-statia/ Watch this video that shows a walk through of Monumental Moments during the expo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXe56Ka2Xds The following link are not photos which are part of WikiCommons, but are for viewing by staff only to show behind the scenes of the project: they show photos of the youth participating and of the exhibition. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1P1rXMKKgngYfMxxrvHY2Npd0TqGRSF3N?usp=sharing The following is a link to the book which was created on the project which was published in May 2024: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IwxcqTJpADS8KVKB3Yt1-Bi5TT1fRJJk?usp=sharing
Additionally, share the materials and resources that you used in the implementation of your project. (required)
For example:
- Training materials and guides
- Presentations and slides
- Work processes and plans
- Any other materials your team has created or adapted and can be shared with others
See above for some behind the scenes. The team also used a powerpoint to present the project to the schools which contains personal (school) information.
3. To what extent do you agree with the following statements regarding the work carried out with this Rapid Fund? You can choose “not applicable” if your work does not relate to these goals. Required. Select one option per question. (required)
| A. Bring in participants from underrepresented groups | Agree |
| B. Create a more inclusive and connected culture in our community | Agree |
| C. Develop content about underrepresented topics/groups | Agree |
| D. Develop content from underrepresented perspectives | Neither agree nor disagree |
| E. Encourage the retention of editors | Agree |
| F. Encourage the retention of organizers | Agree |
| G. Increased participants' feelings of belonging and connection to the movement | Strongly agree |
| F. Other (optional) | It was the first cultural event in many years which was connected to our cultural heritage through photography with photos made by people who live on the island and our youth. It brought culture back to the centre of town. The two day event was attended by many Statians. |
Part 2: Learning[edit]
4. In your application, you outlined some learning questions. What did you learn from these learning questions when you implemented your project? How do you hope to use this learnings in the future? You can recall these learning questions below. (required)
You can recall these learning questions below: I hope to learn if this approach to WLM: working with a secondary school and by involving the children involving the parents/caretakers is a good way to reach the set objectives (generate more interest and sensibility for cultural heritage, create a positive school/parent/caretaker/child cooperation, realize a body of photographs of monuments and sites which will help in protecting them against uncontrolled development). I hope to learn if this approach will also help to jump-start the process of monuments protection: it could be a model that can be successful in some African countries and in the Caribbean, as many do not have elaborate lists of protectied monuments and sites.
Yes, the leaning questions were a vital guideline: the WLM approach that we suggested is a good way forward, but the project taught us that these things take a lot of time and we were running behind schedule. The project taught us that we need to plan earlier and approach the right groups, involve parents at an early stage and schools too. The project did put monuments in the limelight and the combination of the competition, the high end exhibition and a book was successful and it shows that this combination works well. The event and book also put the limelight on monument protection as a whole.
5. Did anything unexpected or surprising happen when implementing your activities? This can include both positive and negative situations. What did you learn from those experiences? (required)
we think that our projections were optimistic, to say the least. The implementation of the ideas was more complex and time-consuming than planned. Many additional time had to spent to make things move forward, especially in the collaboration with a local foundation. Being on an island also brought logistical challenges for the supplies needed for the exhibition. The big win of the project was that is showed the importance of cultural heritage to many people, that we managed to engage the youth to actively participate in the project and the fact that the project revitalized an historical, cultural location in the center of town, proving that a event as Monumental Moments was possible. It energized the cultural awareness for the island's history within its own community.
6. What is your plan to share your project learnings and results with other community members? If you have already done it, describe how. (required)
A article was published on our experiences on Wikipedia and the photos were shared in WikiCommons and a book was published containing the photos, the exhibition and the youth participation. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IwxcqTJpADS8KVKB3Yt1-Bi5TT1fRJJk?usp=sharing
Part 3: Metrics[edit]
7. Wikimedia Metrics results. (required)
In your application, you set some Wikimedia targets in numbers (Wikimedia metrics). In this section, you will describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used.
| Target | Results | Comments and tools used | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 250 | 120 | We had 6 photographers from the island as part of the exibition, additionally photos for the government infomation service team (4) which took photos but were not part of the competition, additionally we had schoolchildren participate in workshops (about a 100) and about 15 taking photos. |
| Number of editors | 4 | 8 | The 6 participants, Government Information Service and the organisers |
| Number of organizers | 16 | 15 | We achieved all as targeted, besides the parent-leader, which is a learning moment for the following edition. We need more time and training to accomplish that. The teachers were involved in the workshops, but we would like to extend on that in a future edition. The idea to have groups of children with their caretakers and their teachers exploring the island and taking photos of monuments was only partially accomplished and was a learning moment. On the other hand, we had the full cooperation of the Cultural department of the local government and the exhibition also had the island leadership in attendance. |
| Wikimedia project | Target | Result - Number of created pages | Result - Number of improved pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wikipedia | |||
| Wikimedia Commons | 500 | 200 | 0 |
| Wikidata | |||
| Wiktionary | |||
| Wikisource | |||
| Wikimedia Incubator | |||
| Translatewiki | |||
| MediaWiki | |||
| Wikiquote | |||
| Wikivoyage | |||
| Wikibooks | |||
| Wikiversity | |||
| Wikinews | |||
| Wikispecies | |||
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
8. Other Metrics results.
In your proposal, you could also set Other Metrics targets. Please describe the achieved results and provide links to the tools used if you set Other Metrics in your application.
| Other Metrics name | Metrics Description | Target | Result | Tools and comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | The visitors to the two day event in the Madam Theatre. These were visitors to the exhibition and the awards. | |||
9. Did you have any difficulties collecting data to measure your results? (required)
No
9.1. Please state what difficulties you had. How do you hope to overcome these challenges in the future? Do you have any recommendations for the Foundation to support you in addressing these challenges? (required)
Part 4: Financial reporting[edit]
10. Please state the total amount spent in your local currency. (required)
28650
11. Please state the total amount spent in US dollars. (required)
29200
12. Report the funds spent in the currency of your fund. (required)
Upload the financial report
12.2. If you have not already done so in your financial spending report, please provide information on changes in the budget in relation to your original proposal. (optional)
We managed to stay close to our original budget by organizing, for instance, the event in such a way that it would stay within our available budget. The Rapid Grant was very specifically earmarked for the costs of the production/creative team according to budget.
13. Do you have any unspent funds from the Fund?
No
13.1. Please list the amount and currency you did not use and explain why.
N/A
13.2. What are you planning to do with the underspent funds?
N/A
13.3. Please provide details of hope to spend these funds.
N/A
14.1. Are you in compliance with the terms outlined in the fund agreement?
Yes Your response to the review feedback. 14.2. Are you in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in the grant agreement?
Yes
14.3. Are you in compliance with provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), and with relevant tax laws and regulations restricting the use of the Funds as outlined in the grant agreement? In summary, this is to confirm that the funds were used in alignment with the WMF mission and for charitable/nonprofit/educational purposes.
Yes
15. If you have additional recommendations or reflections that don’t fit into the above sections, please write them here. (optional)
Review notes[edit]
Review notes from Program Officer:
N/A
Applicant's response to the review feedback.
N/A