"Of the many forms of artistic expression, digital works are among the most easily preserved, and the most fragile. Easily preserved, because with a simple digital copy across media or networks the artworks are duplicated perfectly. And yet also fragile, because the nature of computers and technology ensure constant change, shifting standards, and a propensity to make that which came before unusable and unworkable.
The efforts of Rhizome and its ArtBase project are to recognize this environment and work with it, not in spite of it or ignoring it. By capturing what they can of digital works, bringing in statements and context of the artist and art, and making this effort publicly available, they ensure a greater longevity and audience for all the items in their archives. While nothing lasts forever, the short and sometimes obscure life of born-digital works can be extended with attention, passion and effort, which this group provides." - Jason Scott
To support Rhizome and the ArtBase, make a contribution today – become a member to renew and receive a limited edition artwork as a thank you gift!
Jason Scott is an American archivist and historian of technology. He is the creator, owner and maintainer of textfiles.com, a web site which archives files from historic bulletin board systems. He is also the creator of a 2005 documentary film about BBSes, BBS: The Documentary, and a 2010 documentary film about interactive fiction, GET LAMP. Recently Scott has taken a position as Adjunct Archivist at the Internet Archive.