Nurturing the commons
So the main idea behind the African Commons Project is about nurturing the idea of an “information commons” in Africa - discovering what that is, what it should encompass, and how it should be built and sustained. I went to a meeting at a local graphic design company last year that gave me an idea for the African Commons Project space. The company gave everyone a “party pack” filled with chocolates and sweets to take home. I loved the idea - it really made me think good, sweet things about the company. But this morning in the sauna after a lovely swim, I thought: what about giving people a plant to take home and help nurture the commons with? Every plant helps feed the air with oxygen and so you’re helping your neighbour when you plant and grow something. Now to decide what kind of plant. I’m sure Kerryn and Andrew are starting to be afraid when they look at all the things I want to spend money on so it may just have to be a pot of grass 
Start with a party
I don’t generally think of myself as a party girl, but I keep waking up at 4am thinking about our great launch party for the African Commons Project. I’m thinking of an exhibition with local artists on the remix theme (Taryn Miller, my most-fabulous-artist-friend has some great ideas) and an auction to raise funds for the running of the organisation. I’m thinking of loads of great merchandise to launch the African Commons Project brand and of some fabulous people flying in on jets for the mirror ball “opening ceremony”. Well, perhaps that last bit is a bit over the top, but that’s what brainstorming is all about ne?
