scale, networks, bonsais
Today (Tuesday, September 22) we had a very insightful meeting with Carlos and Melissa (Catalyst team) at the Arsenal, their location at the Central Park.
Our agenda was made of two main moments:
1 We began by sharing some initial concepts that are guiding our research about scale and network, as well as the appropriation of the bonsai metaphor as an interesting approach to the expansion of Catalyst’s model. Bonsais are traditional miniatures trees grown in containers, that need special cultivating techniques. Each bonsai is very delicate and has a complex beauty of its own. Noteworthy, bonsais remain small, so the way their presence is increased is by planting new bonsai seeds in different terrains or contexts — a fascinating combination of fixed and adaptive elements.
2 Then, we facilitated a quick workshop on elements that build Catalyst as it is today. In the exercise, we tried to identify specific characteristics based on a set of criteria (principles, goals, nature of the organization, methodologies, tools, timeframe, collaborations, size, potential applications, funders, communication, wild card). Prior to the meeting, we did some research on elements of precedents (Activate, DESIS Network, Ushaidi) that share similarities with our partner, both in current aspects and possibilities of scaling.
Additionally, we used our meeting as an opportunity to explore the presence of physical artifacts — or probes — as anchors to the conversation. For instance, we not only presented the theoretical framework with diagrams and charts on a paper, but also brought a cardboard model of a bonsai to illustrate our metaphor of a possible network. Those materials helped us to concentrate on the main agenda, and added an interactive character to the meeting.
We are looking forward to explore more of Catalyst’s elements and explore potential ideas of networks!
