Surveying a community on the idea of a digital archive
The last thing I want to share from this Oakville Arts Council project is the survey data we collected near the end of the study. We opened this survey up to the wider community so not every respondent had been fully briefed or consulted about their own individual participation - and while some responses reflect this, the yes/no questions are still very much in favour of the project. I think these kinds of responses are fully replicable in other areas, whether or not you do as much extensive consultation as we did (we met with 50+ individuals representing 20+ community groups) or have other outreach and education components such as the webinars we did.
Here’s the text straight from the study report, and I’ll attach the survey instrument too so you can see what we asked. Here it is in a PDF.
Of our final dataset, 97.73% were supportive of the project, 100% felt the Oakville Arts Council was organizationally capable of project success, and more than 20 respondents gave us ideas about how they would contribute to the archive or use it once it was built.Â
97.73% would like to see more documentation of Oakville’s art history.
“I think we have a very vibrant and active artistic community and it definitely should be documented.”
“There is a rich history and also many newcomers to town who may not little of that history.”
“Many people have no idea of the wide variety of arts in which they can learn or participate even when they have lived here for several years. Newcomers of course have even less idea what is available.”
“Oakville has a rich history which will be lost if it is not properly documented.”
“No historical account of a community would be complete without the history of the arts in the community as the arts paint a rich picture of the culture and the soul of a community.”
“It is so important for new generations to connect with the history of their city, and how it relates to their community.”
“It is good to have a reliable site to research arts and artists - knowing more about both gives a better understanding of the work and can be encouraging to other artists to know more about an artist's successes and hardships overcome.”
“History is critical to helping current and future Oakville residents feel a greater connection to, and affiliation with, their own art, with Oakville, and with the community.”
97.73% would like to see an online archive of materials related to Oakville's art history.
Responses indicated an interest in both an online collection and a physical collection:
“It is good to have such an archive in one place - online research is not always easy and if there is a specific Oakville art site, then it makes research or just looking for information, more accessible.”
“Both online and in print should be promoted. Younger people are accustomed to finding about everything online and some older generations prefer finding information in print.”
“Accessible at all hours and to all. However, I also am concerned about the difficulty of keeping it up-to-date as digital technology evolves.”
“Not only should there be an online archive but original materials should be collected and properly stored for future researchers.”
100% think the Oakville Arts Council is the right organization to pursue this project.
“They are a trusted supporter of the arts locally.”
“It is the one voice for the arts in Oakville.”
“They have the staff and facility to organize and amass the large amount of information which will need to be categorized and presented.”
“Experience and the personnel to complete it.”
“The OAC has access to and a relationship with a variety of artists and therefore is well placed to access the information.”
“I look to them for general information. They already demonstrate skill online and have a recognized presence for the arts.”
“Projects need a leader, but this needs to be a joint effort involving as many stakeholders as necessary to ensure the final product covers all the bases.”
95.45% agree that this project will help more people connect with culture, heritage, and the arts.
“Digital dispersal of information is practical and appealing to most of the population. It is an excellent method of publicizing upcoming arts events and also retaining the history of past performances of all kinds, usually only briefly covered in the local press. It will require great diligence to keep it going properly.”
“During physical distancing, residents can still engage with the arts.”
“If presented in a concise, exciting way I think it would be a wonderful interesting resource.”
“It would be an important reference source for future artistic projects to be aware of what has been done before, and the Oakville people who initiated and sustained artistic endeavours here in Oakville.”
“It will allow those interested in the various arts to find out who have gone before and the heritage of this town and its culture and be a link between the past, present and future.”
97.73% agree that this project will benefit artists and arts organizations; 97.73% agree that it will benefit the community of Oakville.
“It may give newcomers a point of connection not only with the community as a whole but also lead people to the arts organization they might be interested in exploring.”
“Could enhance collaborative efforts.”
“Information is vital for getting new members involved.”
“We learn valuable lessons from those who have a history in the arts.”
“Can provide inspiration and a forum for collaboration.”
“More involvement in community events, potentially more volunteers and donors. Possibility of children getting interested in the history of their particular arts form here in town.”
“It may help those who are thinking of moving to Oakville an insight of what we feel is important to us and the preservation of our cultural history.”
“There is such an influx of new residents, it is important for them to know and recognize the people who have helped to created a vibrant society in the past.”
“It will bring people together socially.”
“Curated materials add to content that can be posted online, used in the classroom, whether online or not, and add to our stories.”
95.45% agree that this project is needed now.
Responses point to the coronavirus pandemic as a specific timely reason:
“As time marches on resources that are hidden away in boxes and basements will disappear forever.”
“The arts are needed more than ever during Covid-19.”
“Pertinent documents may be lost if not gathered soon. I am over 80, and if I can no longer be active, my reference material will be discarded.”
“Much of the past is disappearing and needs to be archived before it is too late.”
“If we do not have something like this already, then why not now? The longer we wait the more gets lost as people of previous generations with valuable input and information may no longer be around.”
“This will take time and the sooner you start the better. There are many who would say we will need all our money and help to rebuild the economy for those who have lost work and businesses and this is true, but we also need to keep in mind those things that enrich our souls, our inner spirits and give us joy - the kind of joy we can get from a fine painting or a beautiful song or performance by someone who has been gifted and nurtured here in our own Town.”
“In terms of self isolation - provides more connection for the community (this would be a very immediate need).”
“This question couldn’t come at a better time - we’re housebound, and having curated materials posted online allow for learning experiences we can’t otherwise have.”
“You don’t want history to fall through the cracks.”
92.86% of eligible respondents would be willing to participate in some way.
Responses include organizations we have already met with, as well as individuals:
“I have much of the above material which needs to be saved.”
“Because I was born here and have been involved with the artists of Oakville for almost a century.”
“Yes, if it moves forward I would think that I/we would participate, as we participate in any opportunity that may give us some visibility, however small.”
“As I continue to make art, teach art and write about art, I hope to contribute what I have been privileged to learn. Being born here 91 years ago and I can still remember, there are stories that I can contribute.”
“I’m not sure how, but I’d love to.”
“I’m always available to help the arts.”
2 responses indicated they felt they were ineligible or had nothing to contribute, but as the project components are still undetermined, there may be broader or more strict eligibility in the future.
We asked people to tell us in their own words how they might be able to contribute:
“I would provide audio and video recordings, and historical documents, about the groups I work with.”
“[Our group] has existed in this town for almost 60 years and we have material that could be digitized covering most of those years.”
“I have items of historical importance for [a group].”
“Photographs, newspaper articles, audio and video recordings”
“I would submit paintings and animation, and reference my writing and books.”
“submit videos, student compositions.”
“I’d happily work/volunteer/promote the collection. I have memories of taking pottery courses in the little building at Coronation Park as a child and have the horrid creations still. The experience meant something to me.”
“I would like to contribute memories and stories. I was part of community theatre for many years.”
We then asked people to tell us in their own words how they would use the archive:
“As a history buff, I would consult it to find out about artists of the past.”
“Referring to it for information on past and present artists and their works and new ideas of what constitutes art.”
“Excellent resource for developing community projects and bonds.”
“To connect with other arts organizations.”
“I could refer new chorus and orchestra members and future concert goers to the material in the archive.”
“Share it with audience members”
“Promotion of Oakville”
“I would refer to it in marketing and correspondence, for artists I am involved with.”
“If allowed, to continue providing updated images.”
“I’d personally love to read others’ stories, use them for research when writing, and to teach.”
“It would be interesting to see the history of such things as the Joshua Creek Art Centre, and the OAC itself.”
“sharing it with new members of our various organizations, providing a link to it on our website and social media.”
“I would refer to it in our literature and on our web sites to draw people's attention to this resource.”
We asked respondents to rank various potential components of the project. In order of preference, 50% or more of respondents were interested in:
Profiles of Oakville-related artists and arts organizations (84.85%)
Virtual exhibits exploring aspects of Oakville's art history (81.82%)
Oral history interviews with Oakville artists and patrons (78.79%)
Video tours of Oakville cultural venues, landmarks, or studios (69.70%)
Success stories about Oakvillians (including students) that made it big (69.70%)
Educational resources for classroom use (60.61%)
Audience-submitted stories or memories in text, audio, or video formats (57.58%)
Audience-submitted materials, such as event or exhibit photographs (54.55%)
Interactive map of Oakville cultural locations over time (51.52%)
Historical magazines, periodicals, and newspaper articles (51.52%)
Finally, we asked people to share their thoughts on any of the topics we’d covered, or the project in general:
“I think this project is an excellent idea and please feel free to call on me at any time to participate.”
“It would be a good idea to emphasize newcomers and diversity - showing us to be a welcoming community.”
“The concept of arts organizations should be interpreted broadly to include educational organizations that deal with digital arts, for example, and not be restricted to graphic art such as painting. The administration of arts organizations should be included.”
“Would like to see profiles of Oakville based artists who are internationally recognized as I am not aware of many.”
“Your project is a great idea. Now, bring it to life.”
“Focus first on gathering the available information together before embarking on expensive or grandiose projects like documentaries and professional editing.”
