Crowdsourced, web-based contemporary art projects blossom in Manila – Rappler

The Internet is a crucial platform for art and cultural programmes, especially in parts of Asia where art infrastructure is still developing.

Self-described “social news network” Rappler ran an article in November 2012 on grassroots Filipino cultural projects. These groups use web-based social organisation and crowdfunding to support programming in Southeast Asian contemporary art and art history.

Masthead for the Filipino contemporary art platform Planting Rice, one of the online art networks profiled by Rappler.

“Art Initiatives Beyond Physical Spaces“ provides a glimpse into the potential for web media and social networking in emerging art regions. According to the article,

Funding for projects is now done through crowdfunding or crowdsourcing. One’s own networks are utilised with the help of online payment methods like Amazon or Paypal that are accessible to anyone with Internet access.

Technology-based initiatives (online and social media) endeavour to collect open-source information, organise discussions, solo art projects, curatorial projects and contemporary discussions in the midst of Manila’s diverse political, cultural, social and economic orientations.

The article then goes on to break down seven initiatives using this model to connect art professionals in the region. The organisations range from online databases of local art events to cross-cultural curatorial projects running lectures and exhibitions that probe Southeast Asia’s contemporary art history and socio-cultural environment.

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Blogger to produce ultimate Middle East art guide – resource alert – November 2012 – Middle Eastern art professionals also using the internet to connect a largely decentralised contemporary art scene
HelpersUnite connects artists and entrepreneurs with charities for joint fundraising - December 2011 – looking at different methods of funding for cultural events
Contemporary art funding in Asia: 5 top posts - September 2011 – our top posts that deal with art funding and crowd-sourcing
Art and the Internet: 3 top posts from 2010 to 2011 – July 2011 – Art Radar rounds up our top articles on how web-based art platforms are changing the contemporary art landscape
National Art Gallery Singapore offers tantalising tidbits on Southeast Asian master artists - May 2011 – Singapore museum promotes its web platform to improve understanding of the region’s major artists

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