Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

50 Years of Western Front: Transfer, Access and Preservation of Performance Art Archives

Agreement Number:

2021-0080

Agreement Value:

$49,980.00

Agreement Date:

May 19, 2020 - Mar 31, 2023

Description:

The organization will digitize, preserve and provide access to Western Front’s collection of 1,353 Betamax, 3/4-inch U-matic, 1/2-inch open reel, VHS and Mini DV videotapes that document unique performance art and new music concerts presented at Western Front from 1973 to the 2000s. The project commemorates Western Front’s 50th year and will increase awareness of its contribution to Canadian art history and the artist-run centre movement. Currently, the archive is largely inaccessible due to storage concerns and at-risk media formats. Western Front will make the digitized material accessible on its website, enabling increased discoverability of the collection by scholars, curators, artists, writers and the public.

Organization:

Library and Archives Canada

Expected Results:

Project results include digitizing 1,353 video tapes, cataloguing them with descriptive and technical data, and making them available through a database and web interface. The project will also mark the 50th anniversary of Western Front and increase the organization’s capacity, through training, repair of decks, and the appointment of an archivist. The project also provides greater access to the collection through open access online via contacts with 400 artists and artists’ estates.

Location:

Vancouver, British Columbia, CA V5T 1S1

Reference Number:

129-2021-2022-Q1-00035

Agreement Type:

Contribution

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Type:

Not-for-profit organization or charity

Recipient's Legal Name:

Western Front Society

Program:

Documentary Heritage Communities Program

Program Purpose:

The Documentary Heritage Communities Program supports the development of Canada's local archival and library communities by increasing their capacity to preserve, provide access to, and promote local documentary heritage.