Research objectives

In today's expansive digital environment with technology speeding ever more towards an existence in cyberspace, what are the implications for an individual online artist faced with so many possibilities, practicing in both virtual and physical public space?

 

The aim of my research is to gain a better understanding of various aspects of virtual collaboration, online interdisciplinary frameworks, virtual creative outcomes and implications of social engagement via a virtual community of practice.

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As a participant artist and administrator of online social media within this virtual framework, my role is to observe and describe my encounters with these virtual processes from two perspectives by mapping experiences and outcomes.

 

What role, if any does the virtual community play in facilitating the success of virtual collaboration between individual artists? Is it important for an online community to have an engaged and visible administrator at the helm? Does presence or absence of an administrator have an effect on the virtual community or is it able to survive organically?

 

Are there codes of best practice when engaged in virtual trans-disciplinary collaboration to mediate divergent points of view, negotiating sensitivities or levels of expertise?

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Is a personal relationship possible in cyberspace when interacting with a virtual community? How important is a personal relationship when exploring new narratives and negotiating differences online?

 

I investigate the role and importance of social media (Facebook) as hosting a virtual community of practice in fostering and supporting informal, spontaneous, independent online collaboration for independent online artists and audiences.

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I look at how this growing, independent virtual creative force, generated via a virtual global community of practice, is able to sustain itself without moving physically away from the computer screen, working and collaborating  passionately, voluntarily and in many cases without financial gain.

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