Container
"Container" is a mobile media lab, currently situated in Palmers Cross, a rural community in South East Clarendon Jamaica. The lab is in a converted 40 foot freight container.
An initiative of media artist mervin Jarman, the container is currently helping the Palmers Cross community access new media facilities in an atmosphere of self-direction, experimentation and cooperation.
mervin Jarman is from Palmers Cross, and wanted to bring back something to the community there after more than 10 years training and working as a digital artist in London. However far from taking a role as director, his priority has been to facilitate ownership and participation by the community for the community from across the community in every role. Similarly the "training" methodology encourages people to pursue their own interests and ambitions, calling upon the help of colleagues and professionals as and when needed.
"This is about each individual taking ownership of the space interpretatively, so that it becomes the best that it can be for each person. The newness of this concept is bizarre as we have always engaged in a shepherded directional learning process. As a youth I could remember in math getting the right answer but working out the problem differently from the teacher or the book...I was never reputed to be a great student, but I stand testimony to the fact that there are always 3 ways to approach any situation: there is 'this way and that way and then there is your way' and if your way is the solution that works best for you then by all means pursue your avenues because it is only you who can do it!" mervin Jarman
The container is equipped with 16 networked computer workstations, running 4 different operating systems and a server. Members can get involved with video and audio production, office suite familiarisation, hardware and networking, web and software development. The container was donated by Jamaica Producers, and the computer hardware from Redundant Technology Initiative in the UK, SkyBuilders in the USA and ReSource in Canada. The project has been 4 years in the making, with most of the structural conversion, re-building of donated computers and establishment of the network done over a 3 month period in 2003 by a local and international team working together. An internet connection has yet to be established though for now the Container thrives without.
Container is a MongrelStreet self-reliant initiative which also receives funding from HEART-NTA in Jamaica, and support from Arts Council England through a collaboration with Media Art Projects and Interaccess media lab in Toronto for cultural and skills exchange.
LH