Design Aims
The Cascade has 3 key aims -
To create a self-sovereign cultural resource and communication system for mobile and web To share traditional stories and art forms of the creatively rich islands of the Pacific in a way that is owned by the islanders. The network is designed as a living communication resource, not an archive: the 360 video spheres, WebVR content and audio recordings will share creativity, culture and resilience stories of the connection with the homeland and how to meet change.
Sensitive treatment of embodied knowledge and alternative ways of knowing: Immersive technology that emphasises experiential communication is eminently suitable to convey the spontaneous and transitory richness of traditional Vanuatu artforms: eg. water music, sand drawings and spoken wisdom.
Enable communities to create value from sharing culture and knowledge on their own terms Engaging with the Cascade equals creating direct wealth for those living in these communities in ways coherent with their value system. In the case of Ambae, to ensure that the system holds integrity with ni-Vanuatu values by designing a blockchain structure that mirrors ecological systems of abundance in collaboration with experts on alternative economics. The aim is to create real wealth from the sharing of the rich creative expression and experience of Vanuatu life for those who live on the island right now. This necessitates focus groups and research towards exploring how sourcing an audience from around the world to learn about Vanuatu culture through micro investments can translate to real resources strengthening the communities to meet the transition years of the effects of climate change *on their own terms*. The main stakeholders of the Network need to live within the community: this is essential for the system to be truly of service, robust and able to evolve and develop with the needs of that community. The system has many directions it can grow eg. towards potentials for implementation of group decision making processes to give the public a clear voice on decisions that are being made in evacuation situations.
Inspiration projects -
Mycellium - value for music creators
Terra 0 - blockchain linked to a specific ecosystem
Liquid Democracy - Blockchain supported democratic voting system
Dynamic Land - Real objects and experiential computing & principle of human as sacred