Arctic Perspective Initiative
Working with communities in the North and Arctic regions through open source technologies
Initiator(s)
Marko Peljhan, Matthew Biederman.
Description
The Arctic Perspective Initiative (API) is a non-profit international group of individuals and organizations, founded by artists Marko Peljhan and Matthew Biederman, whose goal is to promote the creation of open authoring, communications and dissemination infrastructures for the circumpolar region. Its aim is to work with, learn from, and empower the North and Arctic peoples through open source technologies and applied education and training. By creating access to these technologies while promoting the creation of shared communications and data networks without costly overheads, continued and sustainable development of autonomous culture, traditional knowledge, science, technology and education opportunities for peoples in the North and Arctic regions is enabled.
Goals
To work with, learn from, and empower the North and Arctic Peoples through open source technologies and applied education and training.
Beneficial outcomes
The project benefits communities in the unique and difficult landscape of the Arctic in multiple ways, including:
- Iglutaq, a mobile, lightweight, warm, sustainable, zero impact modular living and research unit.
- New hydroponic systems to grow vegetables.
- Climate and land sensor networks.
- Open source information and communications technology literacy workshops.
- Presentation activities within the circumpolar region.
- Exhibitions and publications drawing attention to the global cultural and environmental significance of the Arctic region.
Location
The Arctic and circumpolar region
Users
The artists and initiators. The indigenous people of the North and Arctic regions.
Maintained by
The Arctic Perspective Initiative working group, led by Marko Peljhan and Matthew Biederman.
Duration
2006 - ongoing
Category
Scientific
Pedagogical
Politics
Urban Development
Economy
Environment
Social