Team D: 'Sticky Streets'

sketching the potential

2010-02-26T13:41:00.002+11:00

Circuitry

2010-02-25T17:27:00.003+11:00

Experimentation

2010-02-25T17:23:00.002+11:00

Flash Mob Flyer

2010-02-25T14:26:00.003+11:00

Team D, 'Sticky Streets' leaders

2010-02-24T00:35:00.001+11:00

Promo posters updated

2010-02-10T23:41:00.001+11:00

Social Networking for Urban Planning

2010-02-10T21:51:00.001+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Web 2.0 for Urban Planning

Location & Creator/Author Organisation:
Crystal Wilson

Media and how it is used:
the author, Wilson promotes a social networking achieved through multimedia and vision sharing.

Points reflecting on its success:
Social networking alters our perception of space, not geographically but through communication, our distance has reduced to the minimal. This also results in a new way of interpreting urban landscapes. Our travels no longer need to be steps taken across a path but instead stretching the mind to reach new territory. This not only benefit isolated communities but also provided new grounds for new business service.

Social Networking for Urban Planning

View more presentations from PlaceVision.

Social Media in Japan

2010-02-10T21:13:00.002+11:00

http://file.yoppa.blog.shinobi.jp/theconversation_jp_20090127.PNG

Project Name and URL:
Social Media in Japan

Location & Creator/Author Organisation:
Take me 2 Japan. Published on the 12th of February 2009. 4:55pm.
http://takeme2japan.wordpress.com/2009/02/12/social-media-in-japan/

Media and how it is used:
The article gives a general critique of social media in its ability to exchange information, sharing and discussing information among human beings. Specifically this article focus on the Japanese Social Media scene. Highlighting its diversity yet its isolation due to language and cultural barriers.

Points reflecting on its success:
- It is interesting to note advertising on the internet in Japan is not as prominent. Advertising in Japan is still experiencing major growth, TV still remain as the major media. This is worth investigating as the social life of the new generation change, the community often want information fast and whenever suitable. The age of waiting for TV shows is on decline, causing the thriving development of online communication through social media. Japanese social media scene includes international favourites such as twitter, yahoo, also countless japanese specific forums, wiki, media exchange sites. Seen from the chart above. Japanese may only cater specifically to its national language but its social media certainly does not lack a range.

2010-02-09T01:11:00.004+11:00

Please note this flier is intended for artists, designers and architects to promote participation in the City Switch workshop.

Post Card theme to emphasise the idea of 'City Switch' and cultural exchange etc.

StickyStreets Poster Mock-Up

2010-02-09T00:30:00.004+11:00

I've gotten the textures used in the Poster Mock-Up from http://www.smashingmagazine.com/texture-gallery-stone-walls-brick/ which has allowed full use of textures for both personal and commercial use.

Logo Iteration 3

2010-02-08T22:33:00.000+11:00

Logo Iteration 2

2010-02-08T16:44:00.000+11:00

Logo iteration

2010-02-08T15:52:00.001+11:00

Sticky Street Art Research: Vampire Weekend

2010-02-08T15:34:00.001+11:00

Interesting music video clip with the use of electrical tape covering the streets.

Sticky streets concept

2010-02-08T14:53:00.002+11:00

Future visions flyer // Style 02

2010-02-08T13:07:00.003+11:00

Future Visions // flyer

Future visions flyer // stye

2010-02-08T11:24:00.001+11:00

Future visions flyer

Political Mobbing

2010-02-08T09:43:00.001+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Indian Students Protest –May31st 2009 - http://www.theage.com.au/national/indian-anger-boils-over-20090531-brrm.html

Location & Creator/Author Organisation:
Flinders Street Station - Federation of Indian Students of Australia

Media and how it is used:
This is a simple obstruction and media coverage strategy. 2000 people flooded Flinders Street Station in support of one cause however as tensions flared, Flinders Street Station itself became an object of attack. Violence as well as the sheer number of people attracted media attention.

Points reflecting on its success:
Its effect was definitely a short one and although this issue still remains in mainstream media, not enough has been done to continue to place this issue at the forefront of daily coverage.

FutureVisions: Concept development

2010-02-08T08:07:00.006+11:00

http://www.estherstocker.net/stocker_inst_x2.html

What I don't know about space, 2008,masking tape, foam core and emulsion paint on wall, 3,69 x 10 x 2,8 m, exhibition view MUSEUM 52, London, Photo: Andy Keate

Future Visions: Sticky Street Art

2010-02-08T02:11:00.001+11:00

Examples of temporary graffiti/sticky street art in alleyways. Future Visions were drawn from these artwork.

Image: http://heapsgood.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/img_0937.jpg?w=459&h=345

Image: http://heapsgood.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/buff-diss-fringe-07.jpg

Future Visions aspires to, bringing dreams and streets to life by drawing along ailing streets, lanes and alleys. Future Visions' first event will be based in Newcastle's Hunter Street Mall.

Image: http://heapsgood.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/zipperurg-thumb.jpg?w=460&h=612

Concept Branding 2

2010-02-08T02:01:00.001+11:00

Image: Gruchy, I. 2002, Camera 3: Surface Space, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Melbourne, viewed at 7 Feb 2010.

http://www.artprojection.com.au/html/artprojection.htm

Concept Branding 1

2010-02-08T01:56:00.003+11:00

Image: Gruchy, I. 1995, Camera 2: Projecting Space, installation, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne, 2002 viewed at 7 Feb 2010. http://www.artprojection.com.au/html/installation.htm

Future Visions: Logo Development

2010-02-08T01:54:00.000+11:00

Synopsis: Place making through participatory planning

2010-02-08T01:49:00.009+11:00

More than just simply regulating land-use, the text describes, community/city planning as a “process that gives communities a forum to build a common vision, a process of engagement and a way to build consensus about land-use policy issues”. (Beyea, W. 2009, page 55, para 1.)

When strong land-use planning rights were once granted to the smallest units of governments, the text re-invents this notion by involving community residents, leaders and formal/informal stakeholders in the process. This new notion is called Participatory Planning. In addition, participatory planning is supported with new information tools such as models/frameworks, methodologies and online training.

Mob: Gen Y says Thank You

2010-02-08T01:36:00.002+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Gen Y says Thank You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwb_FjjTPTc&feature=PlayList&p=5AF42E83CD101283&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=35

Location & Creator/Author Organisation:
Town Hall, Sydney – Jesus All About Life

Media and how it is used:
The project was aimed at getting people aware of Jesus. The event had a promo video posted on youtube and later tweeted on facebook and twitter. The media was used to call upon the Gen Y population to gather at one place and provide a free BBQ, entertainment and prayers for/to the general public.

Points reflecting on its success:

It was successful based on the number of participants who shared common goals/aims.
The logistics, catering and management for this event was organised based on registered participants.

Brand Concept 1: Future Visions

2010-02-08T01:35:00.003+11:00

The above image contains a artwork courtesy of:

http://public-domain.zorger.com/danger-in-deep-space/10-scifi-city-public-transportation-tube-urban-landscape-futuristic-tower.png

Flash Mob: Bondi Beach Gets Flipped!

2010-02-08T01:30:00.001+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Bondi Beach Gets Flipped

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9rytUeq62k

Location & Creator/Author Organisation:
Bondi Beach, Sydney – Flip HD video cameras

Media and how it is used:
A promo clip of Flip's MinoHD USB video camera in action! The clip starts off with a lone individual walking pass a crowd of sunbathers and placed his boombox on the sand in the middle of the crowd and pressed play. One after the other, beachgoers joined in dancing/surfing on their towels in sync with the boombox. The quality of the clip was supposedly captured by Flip's MinoHD USB video camera.

Points reflecting on its success:

The clip was appropriate for the product it was marketing/selling.
The mob was at a popular location.

Reading - Qyoroview

2010-02-08T01:14:00.002+11:00

Qyoroview is a system that has the ability to create a large scale street view from user generated content. The system is targetting the street view systems that are currently becoming quite popular, however, the need for vehicle mounted cameras renders the exercise to be very expensive, and hence only available to large companies.

The Qyoroview system utilises mobile phones that are equipped with both mobile phones and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to allow users to capture their own street view photos and upload them with attached GPS data. The system then calculates the image location in respect to nearby vectors, and automatically resizes and clips the image into a street view gallery.

Mob Tactics - Improv Everywhere

2010-02-08T01:05:00.002+11:00

Link to Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/ImprovEverywhere

Project Name and URL:
Improv Everywhere, http://improveverywhere.com/

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
New York City, created by Charlie Todd in 2001.

Media and how it is used:
The Improv Everywhere group causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places and they have executed over 100 missions utilising tens of thousands of undercover agents.

Points reflecting on its success:
The group advertises there comedic stunts on their website and various social media pages. There recent popularity has led to them being shown on the nightly news and various talk show programs including the David Letterman show. The group has a wide variety of stunts that it grows each year into larger and larger public mob events.

Mob Tactics - Byte Night Morning Mob Sleep Out

2010-02-08T00:33:00.003+11:00

Link to Video: http://www.silicon.com/videos/features/2007/09/06/flash-mob-sleepers-support-it-charity-60416903/

Project Name and URL:
Byte Night, http://www.bytenight.org.uk/index.cfm

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
London, created by 30 IT Professionals in approx. 1999.

Media and how it is used:
Byte Night is an annual sleep out night organised within the IT industry in support of Action for Children. The event requires people from the IT industry to sleep outside in the elements for one organised night per year in order to raise money and awareness for a charity for children (Action for Children) that is commited to helping the most vulnerable children and young people break through injustice, deprivation and inequality so they can achieve their full potential.

Points reflecting on its success:
The organisation now has on average 700 sleepers per year and raises approximately 450,000 pounds for the charity, however, these figures weren't always so high. In 2007, the organisation undertook a mob tactics approach to advertising the event. A flash mob descended upon a park next to City Hall in London to draw attention to Byte Night. The mob ran to the park in a group with their sleeping bags and blankets. Once at the park the mob lay down and pretended to sleep for a couple of minutes, after which they all got up and ran away just as quickly as they arrived. The stunt was a hit on the local news and online, and raised great awareness to the cause.

Reading: The Figmentum Project

2010-02-08T00:08:00.000+11:00

Figmentum is an experimental art project known as a ‘living wall’ which explores how social media networking communities can be visually represented. The community is asked to respond to simple questions which are posted online from their website that is accessed such as “Are you hungry?” to which you would respond accordingly. From the answer, a colour is given to represent the mood that appears on the artwork through a script/ code and shape, to represent the amount of people contributing to it. The artwork is then refreshed with current mood responses every 2 minutes appearing on the artwork over the time lapse of a week. As a result from viewing the artwork, the community are able to measure their mood or energy levels against other member of their community.

Through the exploration and study of these communities which are a joint connection of technology and people, the focus of the paper explores through the project and research, the potential possibilities of communicating intangible emotions within social communities and how to address and design “site specific information and communication technologies (ICTs) to foster community sentiment” (Morgan, C., 2009, pg. 144, para. 1). And furthermore, explore the social capital of shared experiences, trust, knowledge and authorship within these internet communities online.

Mob Tactics - Smirnoff 'Be There' Campaign

2010-02-07T23:54:00.003+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Smirnoff 'Be There' Campaign, https://www.smirnoff.com/

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
International, Smirnoff and random entrants.

Media and how it is used:
In 2009, Smirnoff announced a new promotional campaign titled the "Be There" parties. The parties began with a competition where entrants sent in their ideas for the most extraordinary and unique event. A winner was chosen and given a small grant to organise the events, where the only condition was that Smirnoff had to be served. The parties have evolved and through online social media have expanded all over the globe with Smirnoff "Be There" events being held on a regular basis.

Points reflecting on its success:
The events are only advertised through social media where members are the only ones that have access to the guest list. Therefore if you would like to join one of these exclusive events, you must register your interest as a follower on various social media websites in order to get on the guest list and receive updated information as to each event. The events contain a mob of people that get together and go out and do extraordinary things together, however, there is also world famous DJ's, visual, and performative artists present that keep the party rolling. The company has also added a couple of catch phrases to the events that are linked on the ads and have become somewhat popular terms: "Life is calling, Be There" and "Can you say I was There?"

Similar Projects: Post Secret

2010-02-07T23:40:00.003+11:00

http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com/

Post Secret is an online Blog which people from around the world send in postcards containing images revealing their secrets. It is a community art project that celebrates peoples thoughts and secrets.

A similar concept can be used in Newcastle, by allowing people to post up their artwork of what the future of the city could be on the myNewcastle website.

Digital Mobbing, Physical Mobbing, Flash Mobbing

2010-02-07T23:39:00.002+11:00

“mob |mäb|
noun
a large crowd of people, esp. one that is disorderly and intent on causing trouble or violence : a mob of protesters.
• (usu. the Mob) the Mafia or a similar criminal organization.
• ( the mob) the ordinary people : the age-old fear that the mob may organize to destroy the last vestiges of civilized life.
verb ( mobbed |mɑbd|, mobbing |mɑbɪŋ|) [ trans. ] (often be mobbed)
crowd around (someone) in an unruly and excitable way in order to admire or attack them : he was mobbed by autograph hunters.
• (of a group of birds or mammals) surround and attack (a predator or other source of threat) in order to drive it off.
• crowd into (a building or place) : an unruly crowd mobbed the White House during an inaugural reception.
DERIVATIVES
mobber |ˈmɑbər| noun
ORIGIN late 17th cent.: abbreviation of archaic mobile, short for Latin mobile vulgus ‘excitable crowd.’”
Courtesy of Apple Dictionary. Version 2.0.3 (51.5), 2007

The mob has been successfully used in a number of different contexts to perpetuate social, political or economic change. In relation to social media strategy, the important questions which arises is what differs between digital mobbing and the physical mobbing which is synonymous with political demonstration. For example, what's the mail difference between sending thousands of emails to a politican vs. sending thousands of people to the politician's door? Is it just the threat of violence, the change is the composition of your “comfortable space” or is it something completely different?From what we've discussed in class and from examples found, in recent times the best physical mobbing has been perpetuated by a digital mobbing.

Before I get into political mobbing, the idea of mobbing has been more widely and recently used through Flashmobbing. Utilised by some for political purposes, they were originally created to serve more of a social goal. The most well known examples to date however are economically goal oriented. Flashmobbing with an economic goal does not get every individual involved to buy a product, but rather for the exposure of a brand through viral video.

Project Name and URL:
T-Mobile Liverpool Street Station Group Dance Ad - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3d3KigPQM

Location & Creator/Author Organisation:
Liverpool Street Station – T-Mobile

Media and how it is used.
The aim of the project was to create a large scale spectacle in a well populated area. In this case, a long dance sequence was performed in Liverpool Street Station, London. The aim was for this spectacle to prompt mobile phone recording at the event, phone calls and overall conversation where the brand would be associated with it. It was created by the advertising firm, Saachi & Saachi.

Points reflecting on its success:
The video on YouTube has received 17,510,133 views (current for 7th February 2010) and it has perpetuated a number of other Flashmob scenarios which have been successful in advertising other brands in the last year.

More discussion later on the differences between digital, physical and flash mobbing

Reading - Triggering Civic Participation at the Urban Level

2010-02-07T23:34:00.001+11:00

Synopsis

ChapterVIII: Moments and Modes for triggering Civic Participation at the Urban Level by Fiorella De Cindio, lnes Di Loreto, Cristian Peraboni

The article tries to explore, with the use case studies; the way that web based participation is able to perpetuate continuing real world change rather that the somewhat sporadic nature of the bulk of web based activism. In relation to marshalling continuing commitment online, they mark the importance of “civic intelligence”(Schuler, 2001 as cited in Cindio, Loreto & Peraboni), a hub of knowledge formulating the basis for discussion and engagement.

Through their first case study, ComunaliMilano 2006 (a website established in the lead up to the city elections), a couple of points became important to its success. Firstly, is an easily understood user interface – in this case, a public discussion space surrounded by personalised online space. Secondly, the content needs to be continually evolving with which ever topic it wishes to engage with. And thirdly and perhaps most importantly, web activism or “e-participation” (Cindio, Loreto & Peraboni) needs to fulfil a need. In this case, the website facilitated the need for there to be an continuing information exchange between candidates and their voters over a number of different issues which would fluctuate in importance.

The information the authors are careful to mention is that although the cases they have chosen have been successful, there still remains a lot unknown about the what makes an online campaign succeed. There is not one formula which can ensure the triumph of web-based activism.

Similar Projects: Art For Social Change

2010-02-07T23:26:00.002+11:00

http://www.artforsocialchange.net/home.html

Art for Social change is an organisation which believes in the usage of art to change the actions, perceptions and beliefs of people. See the above link.

Mobbing Techniques: Youth Decide

2010-02-07T22:31:00.002+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Youth Decide http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hMHLaeMngE
Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Flinders Street Station/ Youth Decide http://www.youthdecide.com.au/

Media and how it is used:
Youth Decide is a climate activism community who make the community aware of climate change. The communities main form of organisation and information is on its website http://www.youthdecide.com.au/. Youth Decide is promoted using social media such as twitter, facebook, mySpace and BeBo.

Points reflecting on its success:
The success of Youth Decide lies in the format of its organisation, which allows any member to host a local event. The website has resources for the users to use in order to promote their event such as information on how to attract media and how to hold a successful community event.

http://www.youthdecide.com.au/Get-Involved/Hold-a--Local-Event-/DIY-Publicity.aspx

http://www.youthdecide.com.au/Files/Community_events_info_pack.aspx

Sydney Flash Mob Freeze

2010-02-07T22:20:00.001+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Sydney Flash Mob Freeze, http://www.sydneyflashmob.com/
Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Pitt St Mall, Martin Place, Sydney CBD/ Matthew Van Roon/ Sydney Flash Mob.

Media and how it is used:
A Facebook Event was created and sent to 42,000 users from which 3700 confirmed their participation. A Facebook group with 946 members is also created. The Facebook group allows any Facebook user to join and be up to date with the next flash mob event. See http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=21615191005

Points reflecting on its success:
The stunt is successful as it was organised soley on facebook and spread to attract 3700 participants. The stunt was aired on the Sydney Evening News and the 7pm Project, on channel 10 also did a story featuring sydney Flash Mobs. The video on Youtube has had over 155, 000 views.

Citizen Science- Synopsis

2010-02-07T22:04:00.000+11:00

The text explores the potential of mobile phones to provide users with real time environmental data about the location, weather, temperature, and air quality etc. of their surroundings. The new sensor rich mobile technology has the potential to inform everyday citizens about how their lifestyle choices make an impact in the quality of the world we live in. In the long term, real time environmental information provided via mobile phones can encourage citizens to make meaningful local and global changes to their environment.

The concept of Urban Computing is also explored in the text. Urban computing is the integration of lifestyles and technologies in public urban places. Urban Computing is broken into 5 themes: People, Place, Infrastructure, Architecture and Flow.

The notion of Urban Computing is coupled with a series of design scenarios where in experiments using mobile phones which contain Bluetooth tracking devices and air quality sensors were given to local residents. The data from each individual’s device could be used to inform both the user and the wider community of the varying air quality levels in their local area. Data could also be compared to other cities, states and countries. It is anticipated that the overall effect of an Urban Computing System has the potential to make individuals more aware of their surroundings, and collectively learn and lobby for change in their community.

Carrotmob

2010-02-07T22:00:00.010+11:00

Carrotmob Makes It Rain from carrotmob on Vimeo.

Project Name and URL:
Carrotmob

www.carrotmob.org

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Major Cities i.e. New York, Brussels, Sydney; Carrotmob is a project of Virgance - A for-profit activism company.

Media and how it is used:

Twitter, Facebook - creator posted a one-off event, invite and tweet to network of friends who then on a particular day would mob a shop in order to reward the businesses who are making the most socially responsible decisions.
Blogs and photos from mobile phones were used to show how the Carrotmob went on the day.

Points reflecting on its success

It's a win-win situation; it has measurable results; its fun; its simple to organise
A new method of activism

Mob Research: 100 Single Ladies

2010-02-07T17:40:00.002+11:00

Project Name and URL:
100 Single Ladies (http://www.tridentunwrapped.co.uk/Pages/homeflash.aspx#/home).

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Piccadilly Circus, London for Trident Unwrapped.

Media and how it is used:
In celebration of Trident's free Beyoncé gig in Novemenber 2009, the company filmed a short clip with 100 women performing Beyoncé's Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it) in Piccadilly Circus, London as a means of promotion.

Points reflecting on its success:
The stunt similar to that of 'In search of Maria' has been somewhat successful attracting over 3 million viewers on YouTube although not as many views in comparison.

Mob Research: In search of Maria

2010-02-07T17:03:00.007+11:00

Project Name and URL:
In search of Maria (http://www.vtm.be/op-zoek-naar-maria-2009/).

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Central Station. Antwerp, Belgium.

Media and how it is used:
Originally used as a promotional stunt to promote a Belgian tv program for the lead role in the musical The Sound of Music, it gathered 200 dancers to perform at Central Station Antwerp in Belgium on the 23rd, of March 2009 at 8am which attracted hundreds of people who thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Points reflecting on its success:
The stunt was a great success as a means for promotion attracting everyday commuters at the station and surprising them. Since then it has been viral on YouTube attracting over 14 million viewers as well as dozens of related videos of similar footage.

Mob Research: Silent Rave New York

2010-02-07T16:33:00.004+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Silent Rave New York - Dance in the streets, not in your room! (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24032096712).

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Jonnie Wesson. Facebook group leader.

Media and how it is used:
Silent rave/ mobile club/ silent disco aims to simply gather hopefully a large amount of people in a space at an arranged time, turn on their iPods and start dancing to whatever type of music they like. Facebook is used to as a vehicle to communicate to those in the group of the pre-arranged time of where the Silent Rave was held (Union Square) and urged to bring along friends - the more the merrier. It was originally intended as a one-off event for fun but due to its popular success, held a second event in mid 2008. These silent raves are now popping up everywhere in Europe.

Points reflecting on its success:
Able to bring a large group of people together just by one means of social media - Facebook and word of mouth for one simple objective: having fun and dancing with their iPods plugged IN. Even in the idea's simplicity, it was very effective.

Historic Mapping on the iPhone

2010-02-03T00:15:00.002+11:00

Project Name and URL: Historic Mapping on iPhone/ Android- Walk Through Time;

http://digitalurban.blogspot.com/2009/12/historic-mapping-on-iphoneandroid-walk.html

Location/Creator/ Author/Organization: Edinburgh College of Art and Edinburgh University

Media and how it is used: The application can be used on a smart phone such as a iPhone or an Android. The application utilizes a GPS signal to locate where the user is standing in real-time. The user can then select a map from history and overlay the historical information on the current map. The iPhone application allows people to receive an urban understanding of the history of a city.

Points reflecting on its success: The application so successful as it provides the users with another level of information about the context in which they are in. The ability to configure historical routes and the concept of standing on a road which no longer exists in real-time is also appealing.

Points possible to transfer to the Newcastle context:

A smart phone application which relates to the context of Newcastle, such as a historical map of Newcastle when Hunter Street was the main intersection to tramlines across the state, or a map showing the gradual decay of the city. The application can be an educational tool for helping tourists and visitors understand the context of the current city.

ConQwest

2010-02-03T00:10:00.003+11:00

The above images: http://homepages.nyu.edu/~dc788/conqwest/about.html

Project Name and URL: ConQwest, http://homepages.nyu.edu/~dc788/conqwest/about.html

Location/Creator/ Author/Organization: Manhattan/ Frank Lantz + Mattia Romeo/ ConQuest/ Semacode.

Media and how it is used: QR code or Semacode is 2 dimensional code which when scanned provides a real-time hyperlink to the user. The QR code is used to create an urban game. A QR code sticker is placed around the city on the day of the game, on billboards, street signs and windows, whilst some are revealed by talking to people. A person uses the camera on their phone to scan the QR code, and when the code is scanned it is logged on the ConQwest HQ and points are awarded. The QR codes also contain clues which reveal the ‘Super Treasure’.

Points reflecting on its success:

125 people consisting of 5 teams played in ConQwest. The urban game allows tourists and visitors to view the city in a different way. Scanning the QR codes provide an efficient way of mapping the route/ paths people take through the city, whilst also identifying revealing clues to the ‘super Treasure’.

Points possible to transfer to the Newcastle context:

Implementing and advertising the ConQwest game in Newcastle and installing QR codes throughout various art installations throughout the city, can create a unique game, in which people especially to travel to Newcastle to participate, and whilst doing so they are able to appreciate the art, culture and scenery the city has to offer.

Twestival

2010-02-02T23:39:00.004+11:00

Above image: http://www.timeoutsydney.com.au/aroundtown/large-twestival-logo.jpg

Project Name and URL: Twestival: A Case Study in Using Twitter for Fundraising and Community Organizing by Amanda Rose, Twestival

Listen to the interview at PDF Network:

http://personaldemocracy.com/audio/twestival-case-study-using-twitter-fundraising-and-community-organizing-amanda-rose-twestival

Location/Creator/ Author/Organization: Amanda Rose/ Twitter

Media and how it is used: Twitter is virtual community which allows people to communicate in short text messages globally.

The notion of the Twestival originated from a small group of people who wanted to organize an offline social fundraising event. A lot of event planning went into organizing the event before it could be posted or ‘Tweeted’ online, such as preparing all the legal documentation, building a website etc. When the Tweet was originally posted 128 cities signed up within the first week- as the event became of a global scale it became necessary to find event organizers and create event teams for each city. Finding the right people to manage the event was easy to find as twitter connected people and programs such as Skype allowed them to work together and organize the event. The Twestival teams created local communities people didn’t know they had and it also encouraged team loyalty and spirit, ensuring that main focus remained on the fundraising.

Points reflecting on its success: The Twestival raised over $250 million dollars for the charity: Water foundation. The main success lies in the creation of local Twestival communities which were created with Twitter. The creation of Twestival webpage in which each city had its own blog page where team members could upload their experiences towards the project. The blog page acted as a ‘hub page’ in which it allowed the local team to communicate and upload posts, whilst the global community gained greater understanding of the Twestival in their city.

Points possible to transfer to the Newcastle context:

Creating a local Twestival in Newcastle can encourage people to visit Newcastle for a public charitable event. Twitter is a social media tool in which word spreads fast and many people can be informed of an event. As experienced in the Twestival, the usage of Twitter to create an event can inspire a local community which previously never existed.

Haiti Earth Quake on Open Street Map

2010-02-02T23:20:00.003+11:00

Above image: http://www.harrywood.co.uk/blog/2010/01/21/haiti-earthquake-on-openstreetmap/

Project Name and URL: Haiti Earth Quake on Open Street Map

http://www.harrywood.co.uk/blog/2010/01/21/haiti-earthquake-on-openstreetmap/

Location/Creator/ Author/Organization: Harry Wood/ Open Street maps

Media and how it is used: Open Street Map is an editable global mapping tool, which enables users to use a wide array of techniques to map any location in the world. Map data can be based on high-resolution satellite imagery of cities, which are initially traced over, and then GPS data and local people are taught how to survey existing streets which is then applied to the map.

The Haiti Earth Quake disaster map was created in under 48 hours due to the efforts of the Open Street Maps community, which consists of people from around the world who virtually collaborated their efforts to help the people in Haiti.

As Open Street Map is an open license map, hence it allows anybody to access and use the map information such as aid groups, rescue teams and the locals. The map can be accessed from Garmin units mobile devices, online applications, even be printed out at a large scale.

Additional local information can be added to the map due to the open tagging approach, allowing people to create special tags such as refuge camps and building damage, based on the knowledge of the locals.

Points reflecting on its success:

As the Open Street Map community is a virtual internet community, it has hte potential to grow rapidly and hence create maps of distaster zones in a very short period of time. The wide accessibility of the map in different formats is a great advantage, as it enables people to have an constantly updated map with them at times of emergency. The open tagging approach also allows users and locals to tag sites specific to the area, which responds to current context of the city.

Points possible to transfer to the Newcastle context:

The open tagging tool in Open Street Maps has the potential to allow users to tag the temporary art installations and events that occur Newcastle. As the maps are easily accessible and continuously updated, it can consistently advertise new events and installations in Newcastle to anybody who has virtual access to the map. It will also always give tourists and those passing by Newcastle the directions to stop by and have a look at the new events and installations.

Blog Action Day 2008

2010-02-02T23:12:00.008+11:00

Blog Action Day 2008 On The Causecast from Causecast on Vimeo.

Project Name and URL: Blog Action Day 2008

http://www.vimeo.com/3840615

http://www.vimeo.com/6717483

Location/Creator/ Author/ Organisation-The Causecast/ Max and Jason/ Blog Action Day

Media and how it is used: Blog Action Day brings together bloggers together from around the world to focus on one issue ‘Poverty’. 13,000 bloggers communicated to 13 million people about their views on preventing ‘poverty’ around the world.

Points reflecting on its success:

Blog Action Day makes the virtual world aware of one critical issue addressing the world for one day. Blog Action Day has made millions of blog readers worldwide aware about the issue of poverty. Blog Action Day has resulted in people taking action to prevent poverty. For example a torrent downloading company has asked it users to donate a small portion of the money they save from downloading to support poverty. Local business also supported the issue by donating their profits to charities which prevent poverty.

Points possible to transfer to Newcastle context:

On a smaller scale, hosting a event similar to Blog action day, which encourages locals, students and visitors in Newcastle to voice their opinions about Newcastle- its problems and its highlights. The blogs will make the wider public aware about the current Newcastle situation, as well as bring the local community together to promote change in the city.

Get Together Demo

2010-02-02T23:01:00.004+11:00

Get Together Demo from Adam Little on Vimeo.

Project Name and URL: ‘Get Together Demo’ http://www.vimeo.com/6326025

Location/Creator/ Author/ Organisation- Adam Little

Media and how it is used: ‘Get Together’ is a social media concept which uses a combination of SMS and the web to connect people and organise events. The event organiser creates an event on the website ‘Get Together’ and the event is given a unique phone number which all guests can use to communicate with one another. The event creator can then sync their phone contacts to the website and send out a SMS invitation for the event, friends of friends can also join the event by sending a message to the event number. The website allows the creator to select a location, time and date, and even define roles necessary to organise the event. The mobile and web combination enables people who have joined to the event to instantly post suggestions, receive feedback, accept roles and responsibly regarding the event by sending a SMS to the event phone number.

When the event is over, the website remains for friends to upload photos of the event and maintain contact with new acquaintances.

Points reflecting on its success:

The ‘Get Together’ concept successfully integrates the web and mobile communication allowing the users to instantly receive SMS messages which are also logged on the event page of the website. The ‘Get Together’ concept makes organising and publicising events faster and easier.

Points possible to transfer to Newcastle context:

A similar concept to ‘Get Together’ can be beneficial to organise and inform the Newcastle community of public events in the area. It can also be used to organise and promote the City Switch event in Newcastle.

Social Media, Social Influence Marketing and Super Peers

2010-02-02T14:06:00.001+11:00

Interesting powerpoint about social media.

Also this:
http://www.grammy.com/videos/social-media-summit-the-importance-of-staying-connected

Social Media, Social Influence Marketing and Super Peers

View more presentations from Mark Walmsley.

Social Media Campaign: The Pepsi Refresh Project

2010-02-02T13:43:00.003+11:00

Project Name and URL:
The Pepsi Refresh Project (http://www.refresheverything.com/).
Facebook
Twitter

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Pepsi.

Media and how it is used:
Instead of using tv advertisements which is the norm for Pepsi especially for the SuperBowl, Pepsi has decided to invest in social media of up to $20 million dollars. The idea of the project is that users are able to submit their ideas through their main website about ways they could change/ make the world a better place which is what the funding is going into. Facebook and Twitter accounts are also maintained to update the contestants of the current voting poll as well as encourage a broader community to participate in the voting itself.

Points reflecting on its success:
Though it has not come to fruition, the event has attracted over 305,000 fans on Facebook and over 20,000 followers on Twitter as of now. Interesting approach to social media campaigning about other potential campaigns which are worthy of funding.

Interesting Case Study: DUMBO, Brooklyn

2010-02-02T00:50:00.000+11:00

DUMBO (Down under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), Brooklyn, NY from Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park.

Project Name and URL:

DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY (http://dumbonyc.com/).

Short History:
DUMBO is was previously known as a location for its access to the dock with the rise of factories and warehouses during the 1880's. Since the 20th Century where money became a barrier for the house market, more artists during the 1970's moved to DUMBO where large warehouses were inexpensive to rent in comparison to Manhattan Island across the bridge. The name DUMBO was coined around 1978 by current residents believing it would aid in deterring developers adding the O (Overpass) to the acronym DUMB (Down under Manhattan Bridge).

Currently:
Today, DUMBO is well-known for it's creative hub of new and emerging creative artists and unique sense of style: The area is "industrial, but artsy, and seems to be on its way up." Mike Colton.

The area is still under construction with areas still being in the process of transition also known as an entrepreneur's sanctuary, with boutiques, trendy cafes, art galleries, unique bookstores and more. Some tech. startups in DUMBO include: Carrot Creative - a social media firm, Drop.io - an online collaboration tool, and Big Spaceship - a digital creative agency to name a few.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
One interesting point from this article was the coining/ branding of the area that gives this neighbourhood a sense of 'exclusive identity' that is light-hearted and humourous.

Social Media Campaign: Save "Screen on the Green"

2010-02-02T00:48:00.002+11:00

Project Name and URL:

Save "Screen on the Green" (http://www.foogli.com/SOTG.html).
Facebook

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Washington, DC. Jesse Rauch.

Media and how it is used:
Information website and Facebook group to rally supporters and update subscribers with news to save the outdoor theatre for another year after the gov't was unable to fund the project.

Points reflecting on its success:
Reasons to save the ‘screen on the green’ are succinct and persuasive which appeal to the community residing in Washington in particular. Also current updates about progress achieved it was able to accomplish in 2009. However it is still currently trying to save it in 2010 as there are still little funds for it to stay as of yet.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
A unique identity base people can look up to as a great cause to be involved in and back up as a whole community - a sense of togetherness they are trying to achieve as part of their culture/ heritage.

.

Social Media Campaign: Rethink Afghanistan

2010-02-02T00:47:00.005+11:00

Project Name and URL:
Rethink Afghanistan (http://rethinkafghanistan.com/petitions/state-of-the-union/).
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Press Contact Martha de Hoyos.

Media and how it is used:
A Blog and a petition has been posted online as well as a recent Ustream which will air Cost of War - an anti-war documentary with a question and answer session after the movie leading up to the State of the Union. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are also other media outlets in which they use to provide current events and updates to the campaign.

Points reflecting on its success:
Participation between the campaign followers and the organiser in petitioning for this cause as well as the regular updates to inform the public about what they're trying to achieve in the end/ purpose.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Integration of video interviews possibly before/ after the festival from keynote speakers about the project.

Social Media Campaign: The High Line

2010-02-01T23:20:00.002+11:00

Project Name and URL:
The High Line (http://www.thehighline.org/).
Facebook
Twitter

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
The High Line in Chelsea, NY owned by the City of New York. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro architecture firm.

Media and how it is used:
Blogs posts were frequently posted with the initial campaign to 'Save the High Line.' The High Line previously used to distribute meat to the meatpacking district in Chelsea along the west side of Manhattan is now a public elevated park retaining the main structure of the High Line itself. It is a unique park in comparison to other parks in Manhattan such as Bryant Park and Central Park making it a valuable landmark in New York City. In the community's bid to help save the High Line and during it's First phase which opened recently in 2009, Facebook and Twitter pages were created to reach a larger audience with the potential of donations from the public, as well as videos, photos of the newly refurbished High Line. Advertisements were also placed on trains to inform the public of the project.

Points reflecting on its success:
The High Line has been very successful in every sense of the world which has attracted people all over world with a large array of coverage, and articles in magazines such as TIME, New York Times and architectural reviews.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Possibly creating an interactive webpage documenting progress of the Renew Newcastle stores which tie in other social media outlets as a whole with regular updates and mappings on Google Maps to track current events/ projects involved.

Social Media Campaign: Sydney Festival 2010

2010-02-01T23:04:00.003+11:00

Image from http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/

Project Name and URL:
Sydney Festival 2010 (http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/).
Blog
Facebook
Flickr
YouTube
Twitter

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Sydney Festival 2010

Media and how it is used:
Thematic approach
Sydney Festival 2010 has adopted the new yellow balloon as a unifying theme/ emblem which represents "symbol of hope, optimism, renewal and ideas." Image and directly quoted from: (http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/2010/Media/Festival-News/Welcome-to-Sydney-Festival-2010/).

Flickr, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are used as well as a blog to document and keep Sydneysiders updated and informed about the event from start to finish with Festival clips and scenes.

Optus Festival Buddy - A Mobile Site and iPhone application (download via iTunes) was launched in conjunction which enabled festival goers event information on-the-go, event planners, view image galleries and videos, purchase tickets and much more.

Points reflecting on its success:
The media coverage and documentary of the festival (as well as the preview video/ behind the scenes footage) enables festival goers a chance to sneak preview what Sydney Festival 2010 is all about building up excitement. Through the new approach and use of social media it has enable Sydney Festival 2010 to be a successful annual 'must-go' event for Sydneysiders.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Usage of social media to amalgamate and appeal to different networks as well as the use of a handy and readily available mobile application which informs the public of events, what Renew Newcastle is about/ how they're helping the community and if possible, donation links through SMS.

Social Media Campaign: Avatar Movie

2010-02-01T22:07:00.009+11:00

Image from http://www.avatarmovie.com/.

Project Name and URL:
Avatar Movie (http://www.avatarmovie.com/).
Facebook
MySpace
MTV
Twitter
UStream

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Directed by James Cameron.

Media and how it is used:
Blogs posts are frequently updated with 'photo journals' across major social media tools on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

Interactive trailer
An interactive AdobeAir Application is used to design a sophisticated trailer which pulls together Avatar's Flickr, YouTube and Twitter feeds as well as character profiles in between briefs movie stills through the movie progressively. Image from http://www.avatarmovie.com/air/

They also had MTV and Facebook to host a Webcast called 'Avatar Live' between the lead actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana with director James Cameron on the 3rd of December.

Lastly the premiere of the movie was broadcast live via UStream.

Points reflecting on its success:
The interaction between the movie production team and audience/ fans generated a massive buzz for the film leading up to it's premiere successfully by tying in different social media outlet streams online giving the fans extras. On the Official Avatar Facebook page it has accumulated over 650,000 fans and grossed $77 million over its opening weekend with the initial release of IMAX 3-D in a limited number of cinemas. It is also the highest grossing movie of all time with an enormous $2 billion as well as record breaking advance screening sold online at Fandango.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Possibly creating an interactive webpage documenting progress of the Renew Newcastle stores which tie in other social media outlets as a whole with regular updates and mappings on Google Maps to track current events/ projects involved.

Researching Social Media Campaigns

2010-02-01T01:27:00.011+11:00

The above image is courtesy of http://mashable.com/2009/06/02/seaworld-social-media/

Project Name and URL:
Worlds Of Discovery – Seaworld and Busch Gardens Photo Adventure. (http://myphotoadventure.com/wod-fbc/).

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
International, created by Buddy Media.

Media and how it is used:
Facebook and iPhone application where two pictures are displayed side by side and the user is asked to identify five differences within a given time limit. Along the way users have the option to link to and become fans of various Sea World theme parks around the world that are displayed in the images.

Points reflecting on its success:
The users score is shared with friends and broadcast on the live feed page as part of a competition, thereby increasing the exposure. Within days the application and fan pages were added by over 500,000 users and accessed by millions of others.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Possibly creating an application that uses a similar picture difference method however, the images are of the various Renew Newcastle shops. Thereby broadening the exposure of the shops, their location, and products, and also linking to the Renew Newcastle blog.
______________________________________________________________________________________

The above image is courtesy of http://fiestamovement.com/

Project Name and URL:
Ford Fiesta Movement. (http://fiestamovement.com/).

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
United States of America, created by Ford.

Media and how it is used:
To promote the new Fiesta, Ford has given 100 brand new cars to various “social agents” for free in the hope that they will test the cars over a 6 month period and report through various online methods including Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, blogs, and events. Ford has also withheld from spending any money on more traditional media advertisements.

Points reflecting on its success:
Towards the end of the six month trial period the figures stand at approximately 4.3 million YouTube videos, 500,000+ Flickr views, 3 million+ Tweets, and 50,000 interested potential customers, 97% of which don’t currently own a Ford.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Possibly utilising a similar trial period with various products that are sold within the Renew Newcastle shops, whereby samples will be given to the public both in the city and the suburbs and they are required to report on various aspects of the product through social networking avenues. ______________________________________________________________________________________

The above image is courtesy of http://www.redcross.org/

Project Name and URL:
Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Appeal. (http://www.redcross.org/).

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
International, created by the Red Cross.

Media and how it is used:
Through Twitter and an mobile phone SMS campaign the Red Cross appealed for donations to help those affected by the Haiti Earthquake.

Points reflecting on its success:
Within the first 48 hours the Red Cross raised over $4 million from Twitter and SMS donations alone.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Possibly utilising a similar social network and SMS system to alert the Renew Newcastle operators of various sites that are available for lease or for funding and donations to refurbish sites in order to ready them for occupation. ______________________________________________________________________________________

The above image is courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/skittles

Project Name and URL:
Skittles social media experiment. (http://www.skittles.com/).

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
International, created by Mars Confectionaries.

Media and how it is used:
Mars has turned the entire site into a huge social media experiment by displaying a navigational overlay on the Skittles.com homepage. The overlay displays a Twitter search page for the word “skittles” with further navigation options to link to videos on the Skittles YouTube channel, or photos on the Skittles Flickr stream, or a friends link to the Skittles Facebook fan page.

Points reflecting on its success:
The Facebook fan page grew from 500,000 fans to over 3.6 million+ fans over the duration of the experiment, which is still currently running.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Possibly adding a function similar to this to the Renew Newcastle website with a pop up navigational overlay with direct links to the various Renew Newcastle projects and linking to further information of exhibitions, videos, photos, etc.
______________________________________________________________________________________

The above image is courtesy of http://bemoneyconfident.com/febusave/

Project Name and URL:
Febusave. (http://bemoneyconfident.com/febusave/about.php).

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Australia, created by ANZ Bank.

Media and how it is used:
ANZ Bank has created a program to help Australian women save money as it noted that 45% of women had saved less than they hoped to in the last 12 months and 51% of women would last less than three months on their current savings if they lost their job. The program aims to get women saving money during the month of February and continue on throughout the remainder of 2010, with the opportunity of winning a $5,000 prize.

Points reflecting on its success:
The program has a facebook fan page and also can be followed on Twitter, Delicious, Digg, ans Stumble Upon. Currently 167 people have given up driving to work, 376 are giving up snacks, 494 are giving up coffees, 1613 are not buying lunch, 217 have given up buying shoes, 1500 have given up shopping, 102 have given up taxis, 105 have given up presents, 309 have given up pampering, 928 have given up eating out, 769 have given up treats, 376 have given up snacks, and a total of 6603 have joined the program.
Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context: Possibly creating a similar initiative for property owners to pledge their property for lease to the Renew Newcastle initiative.
______________________________________________________________________________________

The above image is courtesy of http://www.yiyinglu.com/sc/illustration

Project Name and URL:
Fail Whale. (http://www.yiyinglu.com & http://www.zazzle.com/failwhale)

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation:
Australia, created by Yi Ying Lu.

Media and how it is used:
The Fail Whale was made famous by Twitter during a period of downtime. The image was sourced from iStockPhoto, however the original designer was not well referenced. It wasn’t until the Fail Whale Zazzle store was opened that the original designer of the logo began to receive the recognition she deserved through the increased promotion of the logo through the sale of t-shirts. This inevitably triggered a world wide trend and Yi Ying is benefiting from profits from the shop, sales of her prints, and future design work.

Points reflecting on its success:
The Fail Whale fan club actively supports the store and since the discovery of the original designer and the inception of the store and the fan club there has also been the addition of a facebook fan page and numerous tweets and home made variations to the design. The Zazzle shop has made approximately $4200.00 from the 12,000+ visits they've receivedand the Facebook fan group currently has 3154 fans.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context:
Possibly the creation of a powerful logo to accompany the Renew Newcastle shopfront advertising and also a series of t-shirts with the logo and specific shop details printed on them, or carry bags etc that display the new logo.

______________________________________________________________________________________

The Social Media Campaign - An Explanation

2010-02-01T00:47:00.013+11:00

The following image speaks a thousand words in regards to a definition of social media campaigns.

The image above and the points below are courtesy of Laurel Papworth (laurelpapworth.com) and Gary Hayes (personalizemedia.com).

INVOLVE - listen to, live the social web, understand it, this cannot be faked.
CREATE - make relevant content for communities of interest.
DISCUSS - no conversation around it, then the content may as well not exist.
PROMOTE - actively, respectfully, promote the content with the networks.
MEASURE - monitor, iteratively develop and respond or be damned!

Week One - Researching Social Media Campaigns Pt. 2

2010-01-31T21:05:00.004+11:00

image above from:http://m.twitter.com/account/profile.mobile?page=6&user=lanceArmstrong

Project Name and URL: Lance Armstrong's Twitter Ride - http://m.twitter.com/account/profile.mobile?page=5&user=lanceArmstrong

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation: Adelaide, created by Lance Armstong

Media and How its used: Earlier this year before Adelaide's Tour Down Under, Lance posted on his twitter page, an invitation to the cyclists of Adelaide to join him in a public ride.

Points Reflecting on its success: Posted on twitter on the 13^th in two and a half days, the ride was estimated to have attracted over 1,400 riders (which is how many riders rode in the Lance's Dublin Public Ride). The ride gained wide media coverage which gave cycling, the Tour Down Under and Lance's return to the pro-circuit exposure.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context: In the above case, there was a celebrity draw card. Maybe its about attracting someone to the Renew Newcastle campaign who will create media coverage for Renew Newcastle.

image above from:http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/oceans/whaling/great-whale-trail/mrsplashypants

Project Name and URL: Greenpeace Name the Whale - http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/oceans/whaling/great-whale-trail/mrsplashypants

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation: Greenpeace

Media and How its used: Greenpeace were placing tracking devices on Humpback whales and for ease of reference, an online polling system which was created to name the whales. They included some well thought through names as well as for fun: Mr Splashy Pants

Points Reflecting on its success: Interestingly, many online websites latched onto the idea that this whale should be called Mr Splashy Pants and so many websites including Boing Boing, Reddit and Facebook got behind naming it so. To the point where they had major control of its name. This gained the cause major world-wide media coverage and the Japanese Government called off their hunt.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context: The success of this strategy was for the most part accidental. It is then difficult to see how the success of this project could be transferred. It does however emphasise how important it is to make people feel like they actually have power in changing the world.

Week One - Researching Social Media Campaigns Pt. 1

2010-01-31T20:38:00.012+11:00

Here's a short list of social media campaigns that encourage some form of digital activism.

image above from:http://portablefilmfestival.com/background.php

Project Name and URL: The Portable Film Festival - http://portablefilmfestival.com/background.php

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation: Australia

Media and How it is used: It uses many forms of technology for the distribution and creation of film. Unlike other film festivals it exists solely online and all films can be downloaded to phones and computers. All films must be portable, in that way they increase their accessibility as well as exposure.

Points Reflecting on its success: They’re into their third year and in association with the Melbourne International Film Festival, film makers have the opportunity to showcase their work at a physical film festival. other Festivals include Falls Festival, Lonely Planet

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context: Introduction of the element of international interaction and recognition. Also the idea of engaging with a topic (possibly Newcastle) through the medium of film.

image above from:http://www.youtube.com/user/sydneyoperahouse

Project Name and URL: My Mutation - http://www.youtube.com/user/sydneyoperahouse

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation: The Sydney Opera House

Media and How it is used: YouTube. My Mutation was an online dance competition held in the lead up to the Sydney Dance Festival where a dance routine was posted online which was then to be “mutated” by the entrant. Videos were then uploaded and a winner chosen to dance at the festival

Points Reflecting on its success: Only a relative success as the competition was aimed to attract a larger audience to dance. However the bulk of entrants happened to be dancers. Also the competition failed to gain other media attention.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context: Similar points can be transferred to this project as from the Portable Film Festival, however this one focuses in on individuality. Maybe some sort of “Make Newcastle yours” idea or investing in the idea of personal however collective ownership

image above from: http://www.airplot.org.uk/

Project Name and URL: Greenpeace Airplot Project - http://www.airplot.org.uk/

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation: Greenpeace UK

Media and How it is used: Website and sign up service. The Airport project aims to stop the construction of the third runway at Heathrow Airport, London. Their strategy was to purchase a plot of land in the centre of the land intended for development. In order for the UK government to legally seize the land, they must serve each of the owners in person, this includes beneficial owners. Greenpeace’s strategy is to obtain 100,000 beneficial owners in order to stop the runway being developed because 100,000 owners, located internationally would have to be served in person.

Points Reflecting on its success: Currently there are 60077 beneficial owners from around the world which has for the moment, halted development on the third runway

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context: The idea that you are personally responsible for the activism. Petitions are just a list of names, this method emphasises the importance of your physical existence and that by existing you can change something. It works off the ideas of personal ownership of your own country that you have control.

image above from: http://www.inrainbows.com/

Project Name and URL: In Rainbows Album Release - http://www.inrainbows.com/

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation: Radiohead

Media and How it is used: Online media. On the 10^th October the Radiohead album “In Rainbows” was released independently from the band’s website without a prescribed price. People were given to opportunity to pay at their discretion, this includes playing nothing.

Points Reflecting on its success: Although figures were not officially released by the record company, it is reported that Radiohead sold 1.2 million copies of the “In Rainbows” album. Such an unusual method of distribution brought additional attention to the record.

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context: Its about giving people a stake in what they love, or in this case where they live. Fans in this case were given the power to ensure the success or failure of the record. You give the inhabitants a stake in the success of their own city. E.g. people can put in one dollar a month into renew Newcastle ($12 a year). Then you have money to invest in events and people can actually feel a part of the work occurring in Newcastle rather than just shopping in the stores.

image above from: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/09/

Project Name and URL: Triple J Hottest 100 - http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/09/

Location & Creator/Author/Organisation: ABC/Triple J – Australia

Media and How its used: Radio and Internet. Listeners are encouraged to vote for their top ten songs of the year which are submitted online. These votes are collated to formulate the Hottest 100 (most popular) songs of the year. The 100 songs are then counted down from midday on Australia Day.

Points Reflecting on its success: Officially the Hottest 100 has been running since 1989 and has run every year since, making it 20 years running. This year it attracted more than a million votes. This poll is successful due to personal responsibility and events that have cumulated around it as it has grown larger. These include the radio telecast, live event broadcasting (2008 Hottest 100 at Hyde Park and previous years at the Big Day Out) and house parties which are encouraged. This is also beneficial for record companies as people relisten to the music of the last year

Points of possible transfer to the Newcastle context: There are opportunities to get the public involved in maybe which project go where. So if there's one shop and 3 businesses which would like to use the space, maybe there could be a vote as to who would occupy it. And everyone could come to the grand opening.

Part 2. Coming Soon

About this Blog

2010-01-25T12:41:00.000+11:00

Our initial focus on this Blog is a review of the use of social media and distributed devices in urban activism and activation. We are finding examples from all around the world and summarising them here.

Our goal is to apply some of the tactics to the next CitySwitch Workshop in Newcastle [Feb 23-27, 2010] and publish a 'manual of urban social-media-activation strategies' for designers, activists and artists to draw upon.

About the CitySwitch Lab

2010-01-25T12:40:00.001+11:00

The CitySwitch Lab [since 2007] transfers people between cities to collaborate on the creative activation of urban spaces.

We work with new technologies of interactivity and share innovative implementations of these between specialists in cities around the world. Our aim is to enhance urban enterprise and in turn, sustainability and liveability.

The Lab produces projects and events that enhance urban enterprise and atmosphere through technological interactions with people from all around the world.

In switching cultures and contexts, we use creative workshops to explore how intensive spatial media interventions can impact urban enterprise, and flow into growth evidenced in urban culture and form.