Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Rapid Fund/Damhsa le Damhanda (ID: 22896298)
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Applicant Details
edit- Main Wikimedia username. (required)
Tura Arutura
- Organization
N/A
- If you are a group or organization leader, board member, president, executive director, or staff member at any Wikimedia group, affiliate, or Wikimedia Foundation, you are required to self-identify and present all roles. (required)
N/A
- Describe all relevant roles with the name of the group or organization and description of the role. (required)
Main Proposal
edit- 1. Please state the title of your proposal. This will also be the Meta-Wiki page title.
Damhsa le Damhanda
- 2. and 3. Proposed start and end dates for the proposal.
2025-04-11 - 2025-04-29
- 4. Where will this proposal be implemented? (required)
Ireland
- 5. Are your activities part of a Wikimedia movement campaign, project, or event? If so, please select the relevant project or campaign. (required)
Wiki Loves Folklore
- 6. What is the change you are trying to bring? What are the main challenges or problems you are trying to solve? Describe this change or challenges, as well as main approaches to achieve it. (required)
1. Promote Sean Nós dancing as a cultural heritage practice through accessible, high-quality digital resources.
2. Increase visibility of traditional Irish dance forms on Wikimedia platforms to ensure global awareness and accessibility.
3. Provide multimedia tools and instructional guides to support learners and practitioners of Sean Nós dancing.
4, Contribute to the preservation and revitalization of Irish cultural traditions in digital spaces.
5. Empower Irish speakers and learners by making resources available bilingually (Irish and English).
Describe this change or challenges, as well as main approaches to achieve it. (required)
1. Limited availability of digital resources for Sean Nós dancing: Few free, high-quality videos or instructional guides exist online.
2. Knowledge gap about the cultural and historical context of Sean Nós dancing, particularly among international audiences.
3. Underrepresentation on Wikimedia platforms: Sean Nós dancing and related Irish cultural content are not well-represented.
4. Barriers for beginners: No structured, easy-to-follow or open source toolkit/resource exists for those wanting to learn the basics of Sean Nós.
5. Community engagement: Ensuring that practitioners and enthusiasts are aware of and involved in creating and using these resources.
What is the change we are trying to bring? Promote Sean Nós dancing as a cultural heritage practice through accessible, high-quality digital resources.
Increase visibility of traditional Irish dance forms on Wikimedia platforms to ensure global awareness and accessibility.
Provide multimedia tools and instructional guides to support learners and practitioners of Sean Nós dancing. Contribute to the preservation and revitalization of Irish cultural traditions in digital spaces.
Empower Irish speakers and learners by making resources available bilingually (Irish and English).
Create a toolkit structure which can be replicated by other cultures for the preservation and promotion of their traditional dances.
Main Challenges or Problems Limited availability of digital resources for Sean Nós dancing: Few free, high-quality videos or instructional guides exist online.
Knowledge gap about the cultural and historical context of Sean Nós dancing, particularly among international audiences. Underrepresentation on Wikimedia platforms: Sean Nós dancing and related Irish cultural content are not well-represented.
Barriers for beginners: No structured, easy-to-follow toolkit exists for those wanting to learn Sean Nós.
Community engagement: Ensuring that practitioners and enthusiasts are aware of and involved in creating and using these resources.
Main Approaches to Achieve Change
Collaborate with Wikimedia Community Ireland to use their expertise in Wikimedia tools and outreach to the Wikimedia community in Ireland.
Create a structure for a multi-modal toolkit that includes some basic instructional videos, diagrams, and articles about Sean Nós dancing.
Upload all resources to Wikimedia Commons under free licenses to ensure global accessibility.
Engage the Sean Nós dancing community (dancers, learners, cultural practitioners) to provide input and validate the content.
Utilise cultural events like Seachtain na Gaeilge and International Day of Dance to bookmark key dates of the project and amplify visibility and promote engagement.
Ensure the use of Irish language in the resources, contributing to linguistic equity and cultural authenticity. Measure success through metrics like the number of resources created, participants engaged, and community feedback received
- 7. What are the planned activities? (required) Please provide a list of main activities. You can also add a link to the public page for your project where details about your project can be found. Alternatively, you can upload a timeline document. When the activities include partnerships, include details about your partners and planned partnerships.
- 8. Describe your team. Please provide their roles, Wikimedia Usernames and other details. (required) Include more details of the team, including their roles, usernames, Wikimedia group, and whether they are salaried, volunteers, consultants/contractors, etc. Team members involved in the grant application need to be aware of their involvement in the project.
Tura Arutura (Project Lead) Role: Project Lead and Cultural Expert. Wikimedia Username: TuraArutura.
Details: Tura Arutura is a Zimbabwean artist and Sean Nós master/teacher with extensive experience in project management within the cultural sector. A fluent Irish speaker, Tura brings a deep understanding of Sean Nós dancing, its cultural context, and the technical skills needed for teaching and performing. Tura will oversee the project’s execution, lead workshops, and serve as the primary cultural consultant for the toolkit development. Type: Contractor - to be paid via the Rapid grant for their time and expertise.
Amy O’Riordan (Irish Language Officer, Wikimedia Community Ireland)
Role: Technical and Wikimedia Liaison.
Wikimedia Username: OifigeachWMIE or TheCraftyCailleach.
Details: Amy is the Irish Language Officer for Wikimedia Community Ireland, with a professional focus on promoting the Irish language across Wikimedia projects. Amy has been instrumental in developing relationships within the Irish language sector for Wikimedia and will provide technical support for uploading content to Vicipéid and Wikimedia Commons, guidance on toolkit development, and project promotion within the Wikimedia community. Amy’s expertise in linguistic equity and cultural heritage ensures the project aligns with Wikimedia’s goals and the wider Wiki Loves Folklore campaign.
Type: Salaried staff member of Wikimedia Community Ireland, not paid by Rapid grant as supporting this project falls under Irish language officer duties and general support of community members.
Additional Support
Videographer/Editor (TBD): Responsible for recording and editing video content for Wikimedia Commons. This individual will be hired as a contractor for the project.
Workshop Facilitators (TBD): Local dancers or cultural enthusiasts will assist during the Sean Nós workshops in Dublin and Galway. These roles will be filled by volunteers or small honorarium-based contributors.
Wikimedia Affiliate Support
Wikimedia Community Ireland:
Provides technical and logistical support for Wikimedia-related tasks.
Assists with project outreach and promotion to their network of contributors and Irish language advocates.
This team combines cultural expertise, technical skills, and community engagement to ensure the project’s success and alignment with Wikimedia’s mission.
- 9. Who are the target participants and from which community? How will you engage participants before and during the activities? How will you follow up with participants after the activities? (required)
Sean Nós Dancers and Teachers: Individuals actively practicing or teaching Sean Nós dancing, particularly in Ireland and within the Irish diaspora. Those interested in preserving and promoting traditional Irish dance and its cultural significance.
Irish Language Speakers and Learners: Irish speakers and learners, particularly those interested in connecting language with traditional culture. Participants in Seachtain na Gaeilge and other Irish language-and-cultural-focused events.
Cultural Enthusiasts and Wikimedia Contributors: People passionate about Irish cultural heritage and those already contributing to Wikimedia projects. New editors and contributors interested in expanding Irish cultural content online.
General Public: Anyone curious about Irish dance or seeking to learn Sean Nós dancing through free, accessible resources. How Will Participants Be Engaged? Before Activities
Promotion: Use social media channels, Irish language networks, and cultural organizations to promote the project and upcoming activities.
Announce the open call for video submissions and workshops during the Seachtain na Gaeilge media day.
Community Outreach: Leverage the networks of Wikimedia Community Ireland and Tura Arutura to connect with Sean Nós dancers, educators, and Irish language advocates. Distribute announcements through newsletters, local dance schools, and Irish cultural events. During Activities
Workshops: Host in-person workshops in Dublin and Galway on 15th and 21st March to directly engage with the Sean Nós community.
Offer hands-on opportunities to learn and participate in the project.
Open Call: Encourage public submissions of Sean Nós videos, allowing wider community involvement in content creation.
Public Events: Use the media launch and final project event to foster active participation and showcase the project’s progress.
After Activities Follow-Up Engagement: Share the published multimedia toolkit widely through Wikimedia platforms, social media, and Irish cultural networks.
Provide participants with a dedicated landing page on Vicipéid where they can access resources and contribute feedback.
Community Building: Encourage participants to stay involved through follow-up sessions, future Wikimedia workshops, and editing opportunities. Establish an ongoing connection with Sean Nós dancers to update and expand the toolkit over time.
Long-Term Impact Build a lasting community of contributors interested in Irish cultural preservation on Wikimedia platforms.
Ensure participants feel valued through public acknowledgment and opportunities for continued involvement in similar initiatives.
Foster awareness and accessibility of Sean Nós dancing for a global audience, ensuring its preservation and promotion.
- 10. Does your project involve work with children or youth? (required)
No
- 10.1. Please provide a link to your Youth Safety Policy. (required) If the proposal indicates direct contact with children or youth, you are required to outline compliance with international and local laws for working with children and youth, and provide a youth safety policy aligned with these laws. Read more here.
N/A
- 11. How did you discuss the idea of your project with your community members and/or any relevant groups? Please describe steps taken and provide links to any on-wiki community discussion(s) about the proposal. (required) You need to inform the community and/or group, discuss the project with them, and involve them in planning this proposal. You also need to align the activities with other projects happening in the planned area of implementation to ensure collaboration within the community.
Discussion and Engagement with Community Members Collaboration with Wikimedia Community Ireland: I’ve been in regular contact with Wikimedia Community Ireland’s Irish Language Officer, Amy O’Riordan, over the past few months to refine and develop this project idea. This collaboration ensures the project aligns with Wikimedia’s goals and leverages their technical expertise for effective implementation.
Connections with the Sean Nós Community:
As a Sean Nós dancer and teacher I am well-connected with the Sean Nós dancing community and have been working with An tOireachtas, the national organisation that runs Sean Nós competitions, in the past.
Discussions with members of this community have highlighted the need for accessible resources to preserve and promote Sean Nós dancing. In particular participants of the Oireachtas Sean Nós Dance competition.
While there are currently no similar projects within the Wikimedia community, I have identified opportunities for An tOireachtas and other Irish cultural organisations to participate in and support this initiative.
Community and Wikimedia Discussions:
The idea has been shared informally with dancers, cultural practitioners, and potential collaborators, all of whom expressed enthusiasm and interest.
Initial outreach to the Irish language and Wikimedia communities ensures alignment with ongoing Wikimedia projects.
Next Steps for Wider Engagement:
During Seachtain na Gaeilge, the project will launch with an open call for contributions and public promotion to further engage the community.
Future workshops and events in Dublin and Galway will provide additional opportunities for discussion and feedback.
On-Wiki Community Discussions
Although formal on-wiki discussions have not yet taken place, a project proposal page will be created on Vicipéid (Irish Wikipedia) and Meta-Wiki as part of the grant application process.
These pages will include project details and provide a space for Wikimedia contributors to share feedback and endorse the proposal.
This collaborative and inclusive approach ensures the project meets the needs of both the Wikimedia and Sean Nós communities while fostering long-term engagement and support.
- 12. Does your proposal aim to work to bridge any of the content knowledge gaps (Knowledge Inequity)? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)
Language
- 13. Does your proposal include any of these areas or thematic focus? Select one option that most applies to your work. (required)
Culture, heritage or GLAM
- 14. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities? Select one option that most apply to your work. (required)
Ethnic/racial/religious or cultural background
- 15. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select one that most applies. (required)
Innovate in Free Knowledge
Learning and metrics
edit- 17. What do you hope to learn from your work in this project or proposal? (required)
What We Hope to Learn from This Project
Effectiveness of Digital Tools for Cultural Preservation
How effective are Wikimedia platforms (e.g., Wikimedia Commons, Vicipéid) in preserving and promoting traditional cultural practices like Sean Nós dancing?
What challenges arise in creating and sharing multimedia resources for cultural heritage, and how can these be addressed?
2. Engagement with the Sean Nós and Irish Language Communities
How can we best engage the Sean Nós community, including dancers, learners, and cultural enthusiasts, in creating and using these resources?
What motivates participants to contribute to open knowledge projects, and how can this be sustained in future projects?
3. Impact of Bilingual Resources on Accessibility How does the inclusion of bilingual (Irish and English) content impact the accessibility and engagement of resources for diverse audiences? To what extent does providing resources in Irish encourage language learners and speakers to participate in Wikimedia projects?
4. Contribution to Knowledge Equity
How does this project address gaps in cultural representation and language equity on Wikimedia platforms?
What are the best practices for creating resources that highlight underrepresented cultural knowledge?
5. Scalability and Replication
Can the methodologies and toolkit developed for this project be adapted for other traditional cultural practices or minority languages?
What lessons can be applied to future collaborations between Wikimedia affiliates and cultural organizations?
How We Will Use These Learnings To refine approaches for similar future projects that combine cultural heritage, digital tools, and community engagement.
To inform Wikimedia Community Ireland and other affiliates about effective strategies for preserving and promoting minority languages and cultural practices.
To develop sustainable models for incorporating traditional practices into open knowledge ecosystems, ensuring lasting impact and accessibility.
- 18. What are your Wikimedia project targets in numbers (metrics)? (required)
| Other Metrics | Target | Optional description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of participants | 130 | 100 new participants and 30 returning participants |
| Number of editors | 50 | 35 new editors and 15 returning editors |
| Number of organizers | 15 | 3 paid contractors (Tura for Project Management and dance, videographer, and artist/illustrator)
2 paid staff (WCI) supporting 10 volunteers |
| Wikimedia project | Number of content created or improved |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | 50 |
| Wikimedia Commons | 150 |
| Wikidata | 50 |
| Wiktionary | |
| Wikisource | |
| Wikimedia Incubator | |
| Translatewiki | |
| MediaWiki | |
| Wikiquote | |
| Wikivoyage | |
| Wikibooks | |
| Wikiversity | |
| Wikinews | |
| Wikispecies | |
| Wikifunctions or Abstract Wikipedia |
- Optional description for content contributions.
Wikipedia = 50
Wikimedia Commons = 150
Wikidata
Wiktionary = 50
- 19. Do you have any other project targets in numbers (metrics)? (optional)
No
| Main Open Metrics | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
- 20. What tools would you use to measure each metrics? Please refer to the guide for a list of tools. You can also write that you are not sure and need support. (required)
I am not sure and would need support on this from my local community (Wikimedia Community Ireland)
Financial proposal
edit- 21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)
- 22. and 22.1. What is the amount you are requesting for this proposal? Please provide the amount in your local currency. (required)
4700 EUR
- 22.2. Convert the amount requested into USD using the Oanda converter. This is done only to help you assess the USD equivalent of the requested amount. Your request should be between 500 - 5,000 USD.
4927.01 USD
- We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.
No
Endorsements and Feedback
editPlease add endorsements and feedback to the grant discussion page only. Endorsements added here will be removed automatically.
Community members are invited to share meaningful feedback on the proposal and include reasons why they endorse the proposal. Consider the following:
- Stating why the proposal is important for the communities involved and why they think the strategies chosen will achieve the results that are expected.
- Highlighting any aspects they think are particularly well developed: for instance, the strategies and activities proposed, the levels of community engagement, outreach to underrepresented groups, addressing knowledge gaps, partnerships, the overall budget and learning and evaluation section of the proposal, etc.
- Highlighting if the proposal focuses on any interesting research, learning or innovation, etc. Also if it builds on learning from past proposals developed by the individual or organization, or other Wikimedia communities.
- Analyzing if the proposal is going to contribute in any way to important developments around specific Wikimedia projects or Movement Strategy.
- Analysing if the proposal is coherent in terms of the objectives, strategies, budget, and expected results (metrics).