2025:Program/Wikimedians Who Collect: Share, Exchange, and Change the Narrative

Session title: Wikimedians Who Collect: Share, Exchange, and Change the Narrative

Session type: Meet-up, exhibition space, social event

Track: Community Engagement

Language: en

Join us for an interactive session that brings together Wikimedians and collectors of all kinds—whether you’re into coins, stamps, cultural artifacts, or quirky memorabilia! The session kicks off with a fun Wiki Exchange activity where participants can share stories about their collections and even exchange items. Afterward, we’ll introduce WikiCollection, an innovative global campaign aimed at documenting collectible items across Wikimedia projects. Building on a successful pilot on Arabic Wikipedia, this campaign showcases how collaborative, group-based editing can enrich Wikimedia content. We’ll also open the floor for those interested in joining the WikiCollection global campaign committee and organizing team as we take this initiative to the next level!

Description

Session Overview: This session invites participants to experience the fun and connection that comes from sharing a passion for collecting. Whether participants collect numismatics, stamps, cultural artifacts, or quirky souvenirs, this is a space to meet fellow enthusiasts and exchange stories—or even items—during an informal 20-minute Wiki Exchange activity.

Following the exchange, we will introduce the concept of WikiCollection, a global campaign aimed at encouraging Wikimedians and collectors to document various collectibles across Wikimedia projects. Originally launched as a pilot on Arabic Wikipedia, WikiCollection generated impressive results:

- Over 3111 file uploads of collectible items uploaded to Wikimedia Commons. - More than 341 new Wikipedia articles about collectibles. - 11950 new Wikidata items documenting unique objects from participants’ collections. - 11 working groups including 3 Winners

A unique aspect of WikiCollection is its group-based participation model, which encourages teamwork, peer learning, and structured contributions. This collaborative approach has helped participants create higher-quality content, better organize information, and foster a sense of community ownership over their work.

Aims of the Session: - To engage participants in a live exchange event that builds connections through shared interests in collecting. - To introduce WikiCollection as a global campaign and inspire Wikimedians to replicate or join it. - To showcase how niche hobbies like collecting can be leveraged to create rich, structured content on Wikimedia projects. - To promote collaborative editing models that enhance both participation and content quality.

Objectives: - Encourage new participation by tapping into collectors’ enthusiasm. - Demonstrate the potential of WikiCollection as a scalable campaign for diverse communities. - Discuss best practices and lessons learned from the Arabic Wikipedia pilot. - Gather feedback and ideas for expanding the campaign globally. - Launch an open call during the session for participants who wish to join the WikiCollection global campaign committee and organizing team, giving them an opportunity to help shape the next phase of the project.

How does your session relate to the event theme, Wikimania@20 – Inclusivity. Impact. Sustainability?

Inclusivity: The WikiCollection campaign creates opportunities for participation beyond traditional editing communities. By engaging collectors—whether of coins, stamps, cultural objects, or everyday items—the project welcomes individuals who may not have previously seen a place for themselves in Wikimedia projects. The team-based model also fosters collaboration across different languages, cultures, and backgrounds, making it accessible to new contributors from underrepresented regions.

Impact: The campaign has already demonstrated measurable success in enriching Wikimedia projects with high-quality content about collectible items, including over 3111 photos on Commons, 340 Wikipedia articles, and 11950 Wikidata items during its pilot phase on Arabic Wikipedia. By documenting material culture and personal collections, the campaign preserves knowledge that might otherwise be overlooked, expanding the depth and diversity of Wikimedia content.

Sustainability: WikiCollection promotes sustainable participation by encouraging teamwork and community building. The collaborative format helps avoid contributor burnout and fosters skills-sharing, while the open call for a global organizing team during the session aims to establish a long-term structure for maintaining and growing the campaign. Additionally, by highlighting the cultural and historical significance of collectibles, the project encourages contributors to document and preserve heritage for future generations.

What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?

Everyone can participate in this session

Speakers

• aliharith

User: Alli Khalil, Wikimedian from Iraq, Active in organizing wiki activities in my country and whole MENA region.

• serine

Serine Ben Brahim is a Wikimedian, organizer, and project manager with the Wikimedians of UAE User Group. She leads regional initiatives such as the Million Wiki Project and WikiCollection, with a focus on Arabic content, digital literacy, and community growth across the MENA region. Serine also serves as the MENA Liaison for the Let’s Connect program.