Project Steps & Updates

2022–2025: Preparing the Project for Public Launch

Over the past three years, the project has developed from an initial idea into a fully realized interdisciplinary initiative. The work has been intensive, both in scope and detail, and often met with indifference from those who might have otherwise contributed. Nevertheless, every challenge has shaped a stronger foundation for the project.

Key milestones include:

• Comprehensive research across 20+ library catalogues, identifying gaps in accessibility and documentation of Canadian rare book collections.

• Detailed conceptualization of a multi-component project www.rarecollections.dsartistrylabs.com

• Building connections with rare collections librarians, presenting the project, and securing their early support.

• Completing online courses in nonprofit fundraising and management through the Australian school Moceanic.

• Producing video presentations introducing the Rare Collections Database to audiences with little prior knowledge: text writing, visual development, and professional voice recording.

• Creating a dedicated website from scratch, presenting the project and its objectives www.rarecollections.dsartistrylabs.com

• Adopting and maintaining nonprofit management platforms, managing all technical aspects independently.

• Identifying professionals potentially interested in participating, and building outreach lists.

• Writing and adapting multiple government grant applications, navigating rejections and eligibility challenges with resilience.

• Preparing a 2-hour lecture on the contemporary significance of rare books in the art world, complete with 200 slides linking historical materials to applied arts professions.

• Coordinating free workshops with cultural organizations, museums, and local groups—even in the face of limited interest.

• Managing all aspects of event organization: securing venues, arranging responsibilities, sourcing chairs, distributing promotional materials, contacting attendees, sending over 500 invitations and reminders, conducting workshops, and following up with participants.

• Continuing grant research and fundraising education.

• Noting the disparity between public advocacy for Canadian rare book collections and actual support when presented with actionable solutions—an observation both enlightening and, at times, ironic.

• Creating and offering art products for sale to support project funding, alongside targeted email campaigns.

• Coordinating volunteers, whose engagement has made subsequent project steps feasible.

• Managing personal wellbeing through artistic creation, including the limited edition of an etching produced to restore creative energy, and offering that to support the project.