Grassroots of Digital Europe

WG 1: Digital Grassroots Across Europe

WG1: Digital Grassroots Across Europe

Leader: Kieran Nolan – 
kieran.nolan@dkit.ie

Co-Leader: Natalija Majsova –natalija.majsova@fdv.uni-lj.si   

VISION

Working Group 1 aims to find out about the hidden histories of creative computing cultures across Europe. Initial research into these histories mean that there are nations, geographical regions and topics that are extensively understood.

However, this is uneven across the continent. Working Group 1 aims to uncover these hidden histories and make their contribution to European cultural heritage available to all.

MISSION

Working Group 1 brings a community of people together from across Europe to uncover these hidden histories and we welcome all with a collegial interest in furthering our aims. This is especially important in drawing attention to histories that have been seen as part of minority groups including women, global majorities and those with disabilities. 

In doing this Working Group 1 will establish an understanding of the current state of the art in the histories of creative computing cultures. It will identify key areas that require further awareness and promotion through educational and outreach activities and advocate for the importance of the grassroots of digital Europe across the continent and beyond.  

RESULTS

D1.1: Preliminary list of existing research on creative computing cultures — ✅ Delivered (Zotero library: Creative Computing Cultures).

D1.2: Edited Book – Silicon Dawn: Creative Computing in Europe 1970–2000 — in progress; book deal signed with De Gruyter Brill; writing symposium held in Feb 2025 (ISCTE Instituto Universiatário de Lisboa). Publication in Autumn 2026.

D1.3: Open Educational Resources 2 (on women & minority groups in European creative computing histories) — under development, drawing on discussions at Evoke 2024 and Istanbul conference; delivery expected Sept 2025.

D1.4: Edited Book (Open Access) — linked to D1.2; due for publication with De Gruyter Brill in Autumn 2026.

Highlights

  • Strengthened focus on inclusivity and gender equality in creative computing communities (e.g., women and minorities in the Demoscene).

  • Promotion of Dr Majsova from co-lead to WG leader as part of capacity building for ITC researchers.

  • Contribution to transnational histories of creative computing and integration with related projects (CH Ludens, TECHNOPST).

What is COST?

European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.

COST Action CA21141

COST Action CA21141 seeks to foster a better understanding of the role of grassroots digital movements related to creative computing across Europe and to develop an integrated approach to its study.

GRADE focuses on user communities, their interaction with state and European-level policies, and the preservation of digital cultural heritage.

Action Details

Grant Number: 055/22
Grant Holder: University of Turku, Finland
Memorandum of Understanding
Action Duration: 27/10/2022 – 26/10/2026
Contact: info@costgrade.eu