A Mary Magdalene Edit-a-thon
Exhibition Events, Workshops
- 4 Feb
- 2pm - 5pm
- Free
‘Wikipedia's gender trouble is well-documented. In a 2011 survey, the Wikimedia Foundation found that less than 10% of its contributors identify as female; more recent research points to 16% globally. The data relative to trans and non-binary editors is basically non-existent. That's a big problem. While the reasons for the gender gap are up for debate, the practical effect of this disparity is not: gaps in participation create gaps in content.’ – artandfeminism.org
Let's change that. Join us at Rua Red, on 4th February from 2 to 5pm for an instructional workshop, talk, and communal updating of Wikipedia entries with artists Grace Dyas and Megan Scott. During this workshop, Grace Dyas will speak about her work as an activist and her film, A Mary Magdalene Experience, which is currently on view at Rua Red. Megan Scott will then walk us through the basics of how to edit a Wikipedia article, and we will put this knowledge into practice by editing and adding to the entries of artists and figures referenced in and related to The Magdalene Series.
Please note: Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop or other device that they can use to edit Wikipedia articles for this workshop. A limited number of laptops will be available on the day for anyone who is unable to bring their own device.
Booking via the Eventbrite link above is encouraged to guarantee your spot, though we will have limited availability for walk-ins on the day!
This workshop is presented in collaboration with Art + Feminism as part of the public programme accompanying Grace Dyas’ exhibition, A Mary Magdalene Experience, which explores and challenges the historic figure of Mary Magdalene within a contemporary context. A Mary Magdalene Experience is the final exhibition in Rua Red’s Magdalene series, curated by Maoliosa Boyle.
Art+Feminism
Art+Feminism is an international organisation that builds a community of activists that is committed to closing information gaps related to gender, feminism, and the arts, beginning with Wikipedia. Art+Feminism envisions an internet that reflects diverse global histories of art-making, where communities that have most often been written out of history feel welcome and empowered to participate in writing (and righting) our stories.
Grace Dyas
Grace Dyas is an activist, writer, director, producer, and performer living and working between south inner-city Dublin and Inis Oirr, Aran Islands. She has made films, plays, live performances, and huge projects with people who had never done art before. Grace has made art mostly about all facets of addiction but also prostitution, sex work, the history of government corruption and social housing, casual sex, the conflict with the English in Ireland, the referendum on abortion, and the legacy of Church and State abuse in Ireland, mostly with survivors of Magdalene Laundries. In her words, ‘I make art because I know it changes lives for the better’
Megan Scott
Megan Scott is an interdisciplinary artist from Dublin, Ireland. Graduating from NCAD with a BA in Fine Art Media, she works primarily in the realm of New Media Art. Her practice utilises digital art, electronics, and participatory art practices to create interactive installations and interventions.
About The Magdalene Series
The Magdalene Series is a programme of exhibitions, interventions, performances, and events curated by Rua Red Director/Curator Maolíosa Boyle and features five of Ireland’s leading artists: Amanda Coogan, Alice Maher, Rachel Fallon, Jesse Jones, and Grace Dyas. Rua Red commissioned the five artists to research and produce new work in response to Mary Magdalene.
The Magdalene series explores Mary Magdalene’s associations with the incarceration and institutionalisation of women and other themes such as forced labour, morality, shame, reparation, and penitence.
The series proposes a new world, uncurbed by religious, political, or societal doctrine, a world led by the experience of Magdalene and viewed through the lens of contemporary feminism and feminist theology.
Mary Magdalene has been a subject of fascination and curiosity throughout history. She is a binary creation: conflicted and mysterious, noble and humble, strong yet morally weak, beautiful and haggard, passionate yet penitent, erotic and unreserved, reclusive and solitary. The Magdalene is the earthly, carnal, and sensual counterpart to the celestial Virgin. She embodies humanity and humility - she sweats, cries, and bleeds. The Magdalene Series is the culmination of a three-year collaboration between the artists and curator. The process has also included input from leading international theologians, academics, and researchers.
The Magdalene Series is generously supported by the Creative Ireland Programme South Dublin, The Arts Council, and South Dublin County Council Arts Office.
