2023:Entertainment
16–19 August 2023, Singapore and Online
Diversity. Collaboration. Future.
Do you love free knowledge, fun, and culture? Then you'll love the entertainment activities on Wikimania 2023!
Wikimania is the annual conference celebrating free knowledge projects. But it is not just about learning and workshops. It's also about sharing food, art and culture, relaxing with friends or dancing up a storm, and having a great time with other Wikimedians from around the world. That's why we have prepared a variety of entertainment activities for you to enjoy during the conference. Most of these entertainment offerings are from fellow Wikimedia community members, brought to you with love, care, and curiosity. Here are some of them:
The Wikimedian of the Year Awards
The Wikimedian of the Year awards, which happen every year at Wikimania, have grown considerably over the past two years (see the 2021 and 2022 winners). We have celebrated the achievements of incredible newcomers, applauded unique contributions to media and technology, appreciated the work of affiliate staff, honored long-time community members and some celebrities in our movement, and welcomed into the great “hall of fame,” exceptional volunteers considered role models by their peers. Who will join them this year? There’s only one way to find out.
- Live from Singapore, 16 August (Wednesday) from 5:30pm to 7pm (9:30 - 11 UTC) at the Plenary, Halls 401/402 Suntec Convention Centre
Aotearoa Pasifika performance
A cutting edge showcase that weaves multiple disciplines within Pacific arts. As proud descendants of Te Moana Nui-A-Kiwa, a group of young artists from Aotearoa, New Zealand, illustrate the distinct voices of Tonga, Samoa, and Niue, through traditional and contemporary movement, spoken word, song and political satire.
- See it on 17 August (Thursday) from 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM (5:45 - 6:15 UTC) at the Plenary, Halls 401/402 Suntec Convention Centre
Mastering the Secrets of the Wikimedia Research and Development Ecosystem in Africa
Find out how Wikimedia researchers and developers in Africa are working on innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of free knowledge in the continent. In this entertainment session, we will go through an engaging and interactive quiz session that aims to introduce participants to the various aspects of Wikimedia's research and development ecosystems in Africa. By participating, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Wikimedia's impact on the African continent and its role in promoting knowledge sharing and innovation, aligning with the conference theme of Diversity, Collaboration, and Future.
- Join in on 17 August (Thursday) from 1:45 PM to 2:05 PM (5:45 - 6:05 UTC) at Room 310 Suntec Convention Centre
In a Wikipedia race, participants compete to "click" their way between two random Wikipedia articles in the fastest time, with the fewest "clicks." For Wikimania 2023, we will to host an open Wikipedia race tournament, where everyone can join, compete, and cheer along this search for the year’s top wiki navigator.
We will use the Wiki Game site, so feel free to sign up and TRAIN in advance. Learn more on the contest page. How can you get from Laksa Noodles to Rembrandt in the shortest few clicks? A Wikimedian will figure out a way :)
- Join in on 17 August (Thursday) from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (12:00 - 13:00 UTC) at the Park Royal at Beach Road Hotel Sky Ballroom
Wiki-Fashion Show
A show of wiki-fashion, in all its forms, as modeled by Wikimedians. Show off your style and creativity by dressing up as your favorite wiki-related character, concept, or meme. You're encouraged to come dressed in your finest Wikimedia clothing and accessories (bags, buttons, even books), or clothing connected to the topics you edit on wiki projects, show off your getup on the runway and tell the origin story of how you got them. In addition to explicit "wiki" swag, we welcome you to show off clothing and accessories related to areas you have edited on. We may also have a t-shirt / swag live creative design session and contest.
- Join in on 17 August (Thursday) from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM (13:00 - 14:00 UTC) at the Park Royal at Beach Road Hotel Sky Ballroom
The Volunteer Archivists — Screening and Discussion
Welcome to the premiere of The Volunteer Archivists, a 2022 documentary short directed and produced by Wikimedian Subhashish Panigrahi. It tells the story of Srujanika, a group of volunteers from India who archived most of the rarest Odia-language publications published since 1807, including over 10,000 book volumes.
- See it on 18 August (Friday) from 1:40 PM to 2:00 PM (5:40 - 6:00 UTC) at the Plenary, Halls 401/402 Suntec Convention Centre
Psst, Wikimedia has a sound logo
Come and have a listen to some of the amazing patterns that emerged in the global contest for the Sound of All Human Knowledge. Learn about the design of the Wikimedia sound logo and how it should be used to complement your wiki projects and outreach activities.
- See it on 18 August (Friday) from 2:00 PM to 2:10 PM (6:00 - 6:10 UTC) at the Plenary, Halls 401/402 Suntec Convention Centre
Wiki Karaoke + talent show!!!
Sing along with other Wikimedians or just listen in to your favorite songs from around the world. A beloved pop hit? A good oldie? A rock duet? Or the latest K-pop release. Kick back and enjoy, show off your vocal chords, demonstrate your hidden musical talents, and so much more.
- Join in on 18 August (Friday) from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (12:00 - 14:00 UTC) at the Park Royal at Beach Road Hotel Sky Ballroom
Sazau by the Wikeint and Manuk Lembukun Dances from Borneo
The Wikient, an indigenous group hailing from Sabah, Malaysia,will be showcasing a captivating traditional dance at Wikimania 2023. This dance is deeply rooted in their Kadazandusun culture, and they aim to introduce it to the international community through this event.
The performance will be a fusion of three distinct traditional dances. The first one is the Dusun Lotud Ethnic dance, which represents the essence of the Kadazandusun heritage. Following that, the Sumazau dance from Penampang will grace the stage, adding its own unique charm to the spectacle. Lastly, the Bajau community's exquisite Lampit Senggayung dance will be incorporated, completing the mesmerizing display of cultural diversity.
With traditional musical instruments accompanying their graceful movements, the Wikient dancers promise an enthralling experience that will immerse the audience in the rich tapestry of Borneo's indigenous traditions. Make sure not to miss this fascinating display of culture during Wikimania 2023!
Manuk Lembukun is one of the traditional dances in Sabah. This dance is a traditional dance for the Bajau tribe in the state of Sabah such as in the district of Kota Belud and in the West Coast district of Sabah. The aim of the session to showcase the multicultural of the ESEAP region and showing one of the active indigenous community in Malaysia.
- See it on 19 August (Saturday) from 1:40 PM to 1:55 PM (5:40 - 5:55 UTC) at the Plenary, Halls 401/402 Suntec Convention Centre
Wikimedia for Cosplay and ACG World
Rebranding Wikimedia to Capture the New Generations: Discover how cosplay, a popular form of fan art and expression, can be used to promote Wikimedia and free knowledge among young people. This is an invitation for all enthusiasts to join and for daring Wikimedians to dress up. Those interested may also pay a visit in the afternoon to the Asia Comics Expo that will happen concurrently at Suntec on August 19 and 20.
- Join on 19 August (Saturday) from 1:55 PM to 2:10 PM (5:55 - 6:10 UTC) at the Plenary, Halls 401/402
These are just some of the entertainment activities at Wikimania 2023. There will be more to choose from. Don't miss the chance to connect, have fun, and learn with other Wikimedians. We look forward to seeing you!
