Author: Claudia Alick

accessible innovation project. a person typing on a manual typewriter over a background of code on computer screens

Unlocking the Potential of Your Voice: Embracing Vulnerability in Content Creation

Calling Up Justice is a company that is conducting an exciting project aimed at experimenting with accessibility and machine learning technology to increase empowerment for disabled creators. The project involved selecting a video or other writing source featuring disabled creators sharing their clever ideas for 1-3 minutes. Free platforms were then used to transcribe the video, which was subsequently fed into Chat GPT to produce an essay that authentically reflected the creators’ voices and ideas. With the help of Claudia Alick’s fine tuning data and prompts, the resulting essays were representative of the disabled creators’ perspectives. This project exemplifies how artificial intelligence technology can be leveraged to empower marginalized communities and create a more inclusive society, with minimal effort on the part of the creators. The following article was built off a tiktok video published by Jesenia.

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THE COMMON APP

Calling Up Justice explores funding opportunities for artists, social justice practitioners, and entrepreneurs in our Open Development meeting. This post is highlighting funders who are supporting work that is alignment with our values. Read more about THE COMMON APP below.

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Image description: Text the reads “Appropriative Representation” with image of vanilla ice cream being dipped in chocolate.

Appropriative Representation

Introducing a term developed for anti-racist purposes: “appropriative representation.” This occurs when a Black person is cast in a role originally written as white, maintaining white dominant narratives but adding Black aesthetics and social capital. This enhances the property, making it more commercially popular, strengthens white intellectual property (IP), and enriches legacy producers who are often white and male. The result looks and feels Black but is appropriating the place of authentic Black representation.

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metaverse colonialism

The Colonialism and Capitalist Enclosures of the Metaverse

In conclusion, the power of naming and its impact on digital worlds cannot be ignored. By recognizing the impact of colonialism and capitalist enclosures on the term “metaverse,” we can understand the ways in which corporate forces use language to shape our understanding of technology. However, we must also acknowledge that the term “metaverse” has become widely adopted, and it is difficult to escape its usage. Rather, we should use the term with the knowledge that it represents limitless digital possibilities. By actively working to dismantle systems of oppression in digital spaces, we can create truly inclusive and equitable virtual worlds for all.

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It’s Just a Joke

The phrase “it’s just a joke” has frequently been employed as a guise to conceal the insidious undercurrents of supremacy culture performance. While humor can serve as a means of social commentary and critique, it can also be manipulated to perpetuate harmful ideologies and stereotypes under the pretense of jest. In many instances, this phrase has been used to trivialize or downplay offensive remarks, allowing individuals to evade accountability for their discriminatory or prejudiced viewpoints. This calculated camouflage enables the propagation of supremacist ideologies by normalizing and desensitizing audiences to harmful rhetoric. By labeling offensive statements as mere humor, those perpetuating supremacy culture seek to create a veneer of innocence while advancing their divisive agenda. It is imperative to critically examine such instances and recognize that beneath the guise of humor lies a more troubling attempt to reinforce and normalize prejudiced beliefs.

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The Covid Cautious Tax

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, from the way we work to the way we socialize. One issue that has emerged during this time is the idea of a “COVID cautious tax.” This term is related to the concept of a “disability tax,” where disabled people pay more for basic services because they have to add accessibility measures. In the same way, those who continue to be hypervigilant about COVID-19 take on a greater burden for society.

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Let’s Talk: What Artists Need To Thrive

A collaboration between Authentic Arts and Media and Kenneth Rainin Foundation, are bringing in experts to answer your questions and dive deep into equity-related topics. This pilot is a new series that aims to demystify arts funding and grant making. Panel featuring Artists: Claudia Alick, Antoine Hunter, Laurel Lawson, Judith Smith AND Funders: Lane Harwell, Esther Grisham Grimm

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3Arts Disability Culture Leadership Initiative

The Disability Culture Leadership Initiative (DCLI) includes video conversations and convenings with Deaf and disabled artists in Chicago. The participants are alumni of the 3Arts/Bodies of Work Residency Fellowships, a program that is centered on the creation of new work, professional development, and advocacy for Disability Arts & Culture.

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