About this site
WHY: Is it possible to track – in real time - the negative impact of a disaster or conflict on culture in all its forms?
The Cultural Emergencies Crowdmap aims to develop effective ways of reporting on these issues. Inspired by the innovative concept of Ushahidi, this project will try to compile and present a global overview of cultural emergencies, which could be used by national and international actors for mounting appropriate responses. It also envisages increasing overall awareness on the effects of emergencies on culture and the impact this has on local communities and their recovery.
In the pilot phase, the project will evaluate various modes of reporting and mapping incidents, as well as the range of possible end-users and their specific needs. To do so, the project envisages, at an initial stage, gathering feedback from professionals working in culture and/or development. Once the pilot phase is completed, the project aims to further expand its scope by reaching out to communities themselves.This mapping seeks to instantly capture data on the effects that conflicts and disasters have on languages, traditions, festivals and dances, folklore, human settlements, historic buildings and sites, places of worship, collections of cultural and religious objects and/or significant items, cultural industries (film, photography, music...), cultural institutions (museums, archives, libraries...), fine and performing arts, literature, crafts, etc.
HOW: Communities and local notions of culture and heritage are central to determining the impact of emergencies on culture. It is therefore crucial to obtain information from the broadest public possible.
The evaluation criteria of the pilot phase will include:
1) Accessibility for reporting via email/sms/on-line/social media
2) Credibility of the information provided
3) Usefulness as well as relevance of the information provided for a variety of possible end-users
4) Resources required in terms of man hours and costs involved
