THATCamp Canberra is a user-generated ‘unconference’ on digital humanities. It’s inspired by the original THATCamp, organised by the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, and is one of a growing number of regional THATCamps springing up around the world. (‘THAT’ = ‘The Humanities And Technology’.)
What’s an ‘unconference’?
According to Wikipedia, an unconference is ‘a conference where the content of the sessions is created and managed by the participants, generally day-by-day during the course of the event, rather than by one or more organizers in advance of the event’. An unconference is not a spectator event. Participants in an unconference present their work, share their knowledge, and actively collaborate with fellow participants. We might not have a clear plan, but we have groundrules.
Who should attend?
Anyone with an interest in the digital humanities. This includes academics, students (undergrads and postgrads), independent scholars, new media practitioners, curators, archivists, librarians, artists, hackers, developers, data-mungers and more. From complete newbies to hardened coders, anyone with the energy to explore the possibilities and problems raised by the application of technology to the humanities is welcome at THATCamp Canberra. Given our location in the nation’s capital, we hope to see plenty of staff from our national cultural institutions. If you’re worried about being out of your depth, take advantage of our custom-tailored BootCamp stream.
What’s the BootCamp?
Alongside the regular unconference sessions, we’ll be running a digital humanities BootCamp. The BootCamp will provide an introduction to some of the tools, methods, technologies and standards used by researchers in the digital humanities. It’s a camp within a camp – a crash course to get you up and running, helping you to get the most out of your THATCamp experience. We’ll be tailoring the content of the BootCamp to the interests of participants, so if there’s anything you’d like to learn, let us know on the application form. To make it even easier to join in the fun, we’ll be providing a small number of micro-fellowships to support BootCampers.
What should I present?
That’s up to you. Sessions might include software demos, panel discussions, training sessions or group hacks, but no written papers please! Come along with something in mind and we’ll throw it into the mix. In true unconference style we’ll develop the program on the spot. We’ll also be opening this blog to confirmed participants and inviting them to post their session ideas in advance.
When and where?
THATCamp Canberra will be held on the 28 & 29 August 2010 at the University of Canberra. More information on the schedule and location will be available soon.
How do I apply for a micro-fellowship?
Thanks to the Mellon Foundation, the Council on Library and Information Resources and the wonderful folks at the Center for History and New Media, a small number of micro-fellowships will be available to librarians, archivists and academics who are interested in exploring how digital methods might enrich or extend their own scholarship. Fellowship recipients will be expected to attend all the BootCamp sessions and provide an evaluation of their THATCamp experience. A maximum of four fellowships of $500US will be available to academics and students, and a further two for archivists and librarians. If you’d like to apply, just tick the appropriate box on the THATCamp Canberra application form and then use this form to apply for the fellowship.
How do I register?
Numbers are limited so we might have to do a little vetting. If you’re interested in attending THATCamp Canberra just fill in the application form and tell us a little about yourself. Feel free to be brief – just give us an idea of what your interests are and what you hope to get out of your THATCamp experience. Applications close on 23 July.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. That’s right, nothing. THATCamp Canberra is free, though we might ask for a small donation to help cover the costs of food, t-shirts and assorted swag.
Who are the organisers?
THATCamp Canberra is being organised by:
- Tim Sherratt (@wragge)
- Cath Styles (@cathstyles)
- Mitchell Whitelaw (@mtchl)