Discover how decentralized storage can transform the preservation and accessibility of cultural assets in this engaging workshop series for Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM). Hosted by 221A in collaboration with TechSoup and the Filecoin Foundation, this event connects cultural organizations with cutting-edge tools and knowledge to empower their work in the digital age.

Why Decentralized Storage Matters for GLAM

Cultural institutions face mounting challenges in safeguarding digital collections, from ensuring long-term accessibility to protecting data against obsolescence and centralization risks. Decentralized storage offers a groundbreaking alternative that addresses these challenges through:

• Immutability and Permanence: Safeguard cultural data with tamper-proof systems and guarantee provenance in an era of AI-generated slop.
• Community Ownership: Empower cultural organizations to maintain control over their digital assets, fostering shared stewardship and ethical management of cultural heritage.
• Transparency: Build trust with verifiable data history and open systems.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduce reliance on costly centralized storage solutions with affordable, scalable technologies.
• Redundancy: Avoid single points of failure with distributed networks that ensure resilience.
• Innovation and Experimentation: Explore new possibilities for collaborative archiving and digital preservation.

What You'll Learn

Participants will gain:

• A foundational understanding of decentralized storage technologies like IPFS and Filecoin.
• Insights into how these tools address specific challenges in cultural preservation.
• Practical knowledge through case studies and examples and implementation examples.
• Opportunities to collaborate and share resources with peers in the GLAM sector.

Participants will also learn about The Node Library, 221A’s ambitious project to develop, run, and maintain decentralized physical infrastructure for arts and culture organizations.

Workshop Details

This workshop is part of a two-part series designed to support GLAM organizations:

Online Introduction to Decentralized Storage

Date: February 20, 1–3 PM PT (Online)

Gain a high-level overview of decentralized storage and its relevance to GLAM organizations.

Hands-On Implementation Workshop

Date: February 27, 1–3 PM PT (In-person at 221A’s Boardroom)

Dive deeper into the practical applications of decentralized storage, including Filecoin training and opportunities for collaboration.

Next Steps

Join us to explore how decentralized storage can empower your organization and transform how cultural data is preserved, shared, and owned. Together, let’s build a future where cultural heritage thrives in the digital era.

Register now to secure your spot in this groundbreaking conversation about the future of digital preservation!

This event is supported by an award from the Filecoin Foundation for the Decentralized Web.

Public Good App House is a project of Caravan Studios, a division of TechSoup.