Connect to Protect

The task of protecting oneself online can be daunting and time-consuming. This workshop hosted by intermedia artist Sage Sidley strives to give participants the confidence and time to take small steps towards protecting their data online in an accessible and light-hearted manner. Participants will be calmly led through step-by-step procedures on their devices to detox their collected location-based data and prevent further personal data from being collected. In addition to the workshop, participants are invited to consult, revisit, and share a dedicated open-source website designed by Sidley to connect the content of the live session and additional computer science and artistic research regarding location-based data collection protection.

About the Facilitator
Sage Sidley is a recent Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University, Master of Fine Arts graduate and currently located in Kjipuktuk (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Canada. She is originally from Rossland, British Columbia and attained her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in visual arts and a minor in mathematics at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Sidley works with ideas of place and technology in the form of expanded drawing. Through the lens of drawing, her practice examines digital surveillance practices and asks what it means to observe (and be observed). Sidley has attended artist residencies in Berlin, Germany and Inverness, Cape Breton. She has held solo and group exhibitions in numerous public galleries throughout Southwestern B.C. and select galleries in Nova Scotia. For six years Sidley has taught drawing to all ages privately and in public institutions, including drawing courses at NSCAD University.

How to Participate
This online workshop is free but advance registration is required as space is limited. If you are interested in participating, please email liuba.gonzalezdearmas@msvu.ca by December 1 with the following info:

• Name
• Phone number
• Email Address
• Indicate if you have any access needs or concerns (e.g. require ASL interpretation, technology support, etc)

More information, including Zoom links and accessibility features, will be shared with registered participants via email in advance of the workshop.