Indiegogo

521746

SNS Challenger

Re-photographing a Victorian Voyage Collectively

  • Created by:

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  • Location:Internet, United Kingdom

  • Category:Photography

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Our Story

In 1872, a research ship called HMS Challenger left Portsmouth, England on a scientific voyage around the world. During their 3.5 year voyage, they took over 500 photographs of the countries and people they encountered. Since then, the world has changed a lot. 


I wanted to see just how much has changed, so in 2009 I set up a project to re-photograph every location photographed by HMS Challenger. I didn't have a ship or a crew, but I did have the Internet. So I wondered if it was possible to re-photograph ALL the locations with a customised social network site (SNS) and help from volunteers in all the countries visited. This then became the research question of my PhD at London College of Communication. 


So on December 21st 2009 (on the anniversary of HMS Challenger's departure), SNS Challenger set sail on the ocean that is the Internet. 



Screenshot of Social Network Site (SNS) Challenger


The Impact

18 months into our Internet voyage, our crew of 119 volunteers have so far re-photographed over 50 of the original Challenger pictures. These pictures brilliantly illustrate the changes (or lack of change) that can take place in 140 years. They also give the volunteers a unique and memorable experience of engaging with their local history, which encourage them to think more about today:


"It is haunting to think about those who have been left behind by modernization. Perhaps I would be consoled if they were "left behind in good hands" and not in poverty. And it begs me to wonder, so I have seen, and now what do I do about it?" 

Kathy, a crew member in Manila, Philippines.


This global project has so far proven that local history can play an important part in inspiring people to be proactive and share responsibility for their local environment. Like HMS Challenger's voyage, this project is somewhat in the background but will hopefully have a lasting legacy in local communities. Our voyage is expected to end in 2013, when we hope to have re-photographed every picture around the world. A book and exhibition will then follow the completion of the voyage, and an entire set of the photographs will be donated to and kept at the Natural History Museum in London.



Bermuda in 1873 & 2009 by Elizabeth


Valparaiso in 1875 & 2009 by Neill



What We Need & What You Get


There are still around 450 pictures to identify and re-photograph around the world. The extra challenge is reaching potential volunteers, which is not as easy as it sounds. Not everyone is "online" or on Twitter or Facebook. Not all community groups are Internet or computer savvy. Communicating an online project to people who are "offline" costs money to promote and this is where we need the most help. Additionally, as a PhD student, the UK funding cuts and increase in tuition fees means that I may have to stop our voyage half way through if we don't get more help from the online world.

We have non-financial support from the Challenger Society, Information Environments and the Natural History Museum in London, but we need sponsors to keep our Internet ship afloat. Your support will primarily go towards the costs of promoting the project in parts of the world where Twitter and Facebook simply do not reach. It will also contribute to the running costs of the Internet ship and associated exhibitions. Even if we do not reach our entire goal, the support raised will help us to reach more potential volunteers, which makes this project possible.

Currently, our Internet ship has Open Days so if you are interested in seeing SNS Challenger in person, please visit www.snschallenger.org and come aboard!

By supporting this project, your name will be long remembered in association with this project. With future publications and exhibitions, your name will always be credited as a key sponsor of the voyage, without which the voyage would not be possible. In another 140 years when people are re-photographing our Internet Voyage, your name will be remembered along with it.


As a sponsor, you will be given an honorary rank and membership aboard SNS Challenger. There are also other perks depending on how much you can contribute.


Other Ways You Can Help


As a global project that relies upon the kind help of its volunteers, you can also help us spread word about our voyage. We need volunteers in over 30 countries so if you have an international following on Twitter or a multicultural Facebook of friends, please do Tweet #snschallenger and Post about our voyage. You can also follow us on @snschallenger or become our facebook friend.


If you use other social media, tell all your friends about us. Maybe they know someone who can help too! 


Alternatively, if you are in one of the locations where we need volunteers, join us!




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