The Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon: A Collaborative Effort to Elevate Women in the Arts
On March 23, the Kranzberg Art & Architecture Library became a vibrant hub of creativity and collaboration as WashU Libraries hosted the Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon workshop. This initiative is part of a larger global movement aimed at closing information gaps related to gender, feminism, and the arts on Wikipedia. Participants gathered with a shared mission: to research and improve the representation of women artists on one of the world’s most widely used platforms.
Empowering Participants through Guidance
Leading the workshop was AJ Robinson, a passionate subject librarian specializing in Islamic studies, South Asian studies, and women, gender, and sexuality studies. With a straightforward approach, Robinson guided attendees through the intricacies of editing Wikipedia entries. Participants learned how to identify articles on women artists, edit for clarity, eliminate sexist language, and add links, citations, and reliable information to enhance the content.
Alongside Robinson were Jennifer Akins, the art & architecture subject librarian, and Rina Vecchiola, head of arts & area studies, both instrumental in organizing the event. Their collective expertise ensured that attendees left feeling empowered to contribute meaningfully to the online encyclopedia.
A Resource for Aspiring Editors
To facilitate the learning process, Robinson developed the Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon LibGuide. This resource serves as a valuable reference for anyone interested in researching, editing, and drafting Wikipedia articles. Robinson encouraged new editors to “be bold” in their contributions. “This is a collaborative project,” he noted. “You don’t need to know everything right away. An active community of editors is always eager to improve the encyclopedia, and your edits can spark further contributions.”
Focus on Women Artists
During the workshop, participants actively engaged in editing articles on remarkable women artists and designers, including notable figures such as Myra Greene, Kruttika Susarla, and Tomoko Miho. By enhancing their profiles on Wikipedia, attendees aimed to create greater visibility for these talented individuals, amplifying their contributions to the artistic community.
Transformative Learning Experiences
The impact of the workshop resonated profoundly with participants. Aggie Toppins, an associate professor of communication design, expressed her motivation to learn about editing and expanding pages on women designers. “I am going to read Wikipedia with more criticality,” she remarked, highlighting how the workshop reshaped her perspective on the platform.
Similarly, Assistant Professor Megan Irwin emphasized the importance of increasing visibility for women designers on Wikipedia. The act of editing isn’t merely about updating information; it’s a step toward gender equity in the arts, making contributions by women more recognized and appreciated.
A Global Movement
Since its inception in 2014, the Art + Feminism initiative has gained significant momentum, with over 40,000 participants involved in more than 1,700 events worldwide. These edit-a-thons have led to the creation and improvement of more than 370,000 articles across 27 languages on Wikipedia and its sister projects. This remarkable achievement underscores the power of collective action and the role each individual can play in driving social change through knowledge-sharing.
The Future of Wikipedia Editing
As the Art + Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon continues to engage communities across the globe, the importance of these workshops remains paramount. They not only empower new editors to reshape narratives around women in the arts but also reinforce the idea that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Through collaborative efforts, participants are not just enhancing Wikipedia—they are fostering a culture of inclusivity and representation that can resonate far beyond the digital realm.
