MuHER, Kraków, Poland

The Cyber Sisterhood Project

Marta Grabowska

Aleksandra Pieńkosz

Photo from collage workshop Searching for ​Cyber Sisterhood by Kinga Świętek

Digital mind-map – defining Cyber ​Sisterhood by Marta Grabowska

Cyber Sisterhood examples – Wikipedia ​activism by Iwona Demko

Example of an Interface Poem by ​Aleksandra Pieńkosz

As part of the INCLUDE + ART ITERATIONS project, we have ​organized two events centered on the theme of Cyber ​Sisterhood, focusing on digital equity and emphasizing ​inclusivity—a key aspect of the Holistic Approach Principle ​explored in our research. These events also resonated with our ​institution's values, including a commitment to intersectional ​feminism, fostering dialogue, and preserving women’s heritage ​both online and offline.

Searching for Cyber Sisterhood, led by Marta Grabowska was ​held in March 2024 at Spotka, Museum of Kraków

Cyber Sisterhood in Arts, led by Aleksandra Pieńkosz took ​place online in August 2024.

Searching for Cyber Sisterhood, Spotka, Museum of Kraków, ​Poland (March 2024). Photo by Kinga Świętek

Cyber Sisterhood in Arts, online (August 2024)

Each event was structured into three parts:

1) an educational segment featuring presentations and research questions

2) an art activity

3) a discussion.

We embraced collage as an inclusive method of participation, initially ​inviting community members to contribute through various mediums—such ​as paper collages, photos, videos, and text—to collaboratively build a digital ​mind-map defining Cyber Sisterhood. This approach was further developed ​by Aleksandra Pieńkosz in her online workshop about Cyber Sisterhood in ​Arts, where she guided participants in creating digital poetry collages based ​on the principles of her Interface Poetry method. Participants were invited to ​create an artwork about their relationship with the Internet itself.

This approach allowed us to effectively address challenges that can arise

when an intersectional group of people with varying levels of digital

literacy are tasked with the same activity while fostering a safe space

for participants to ask further questions.

Digital mind-map – Defining Cyber Sisterhood

Interface Poetry collage exploring the ideas of Digital

Equity made by one of the participants

about interface poetry

Interface Poetry method, invented by Pieńkosz in 2016, involves finding ​and extracting texts and/or graphic elements from graphic user interfaces ​and placing them in new, artistic and poetic contexts. The preferred way of ​creating these kinds of artworks is with a smartphone – and this fact often ​influenced their themes: touch-sensitivity (intentionally employed with

a double meaning) and personal relationships with digital devices.

Interface Poetry practice aims to deautomatize the reading of texts with ​which systems & programs communicate with us via user interfaces – and ​which, in consequence, mediate and influence our communication ​with other people. It helps to bring attention to the fact that even in our ​day-to-day conversations, we are constantly operating within contexts of ​applications and systems.

We chose this method because it can be instant and accessible, and helps ​to educate about digital tools in an engaging, practical way.

interface poetry collages by Aleksandra Pieńkosz

During the first workshop we collectively devised our definition of Cyber Sisterhood:

Cyber Sisterhood refers to a supportive community of women who connect and build relationships ​online. This concept emphasises solidarity, mutual support, and empowerment among women, facilitated ​by digital platforms like social media, forums, and online groups. Cyber Sisterhood often involves sharing ​experiences, advice, resources, and encouragement, fostering a sense of belonging and collective ​strength in a digital space. This network can be particularly important for women seeking community and ​support beyond geographical or social boundaries.

Searching for Cyber Sisterhood workshop,

Spotka, Museum of Kraków, Poland (March 2024). Photos by Kinga Świętek

Some of the examples of Cyber Sisterhood we discussed:

• Wikipedia Activism: A growing movement aimed at addressing the erasure and oversight of women's ​history by creating and expanding Wikipedia articles on notable women whose contributions have ​been overlooked. This activism works to correct historical imbalances and ensure that women's ​achievements are accurately represented on one of the world's most widely used information ​platforms. E.g. Iwona Demko
  
• Podcasts: e.g. ‘Mówi MuHER. Filozofki’: This podcast highlights female philosophers, providing a ​platform for discussing their ideas and contributions, which have often been marginalised or ignored in ​traditional philosophical discourse.
  
• Online articles: eg. JOTR - Jak One To Robią: A compelling series of articles focusing on women who ​are dedicated to discovering, preserving, and celebrating the heritage and legacies of other women. ​This initiative showcases the efforts of those committed to keeping the memory and impact of their ​predecessors alive.
  
• Online Artivism: A vibrant form of digital activism where art meets social justice, These initiatives use ​creative expression to challenge stereotypes, address gender inequality, and amplify the voices of ​women and non-binary individuals. E.g. Hystera, Arvida Bystrӧm
  

Some of the examples of Cyber Sisterhood we discussed continued:

• Women-led Digital Zines and Magazines: A dynamic and diverse range of digital publications ​focusing on the experiences, stories, and issues relevant to women and non-binary individuals. These ​grassroots zines and magazines provide a crucial platform for underrepresented voices, fostering a ​sense of community and shared identity in the digital age.
  
• Educational Content on Social Media: Women increasingly use platforms like Instagram and TikTok ​to host accounts dedicated to educating others about women's history, heritage, etc. These creators ​leverage their social media presence to highlight women's achievements.
  
• Forums: Online forums serve as vital spaces where women can connect, share experiences, and ​support one another. These communities often provide a sense of belonging and a platform for ​discussing a wide range of topics, from personal challenges to broader social issues.
• Body-Positivity, Sex-Positivity Content on Social Media: accounts celebrating diverse body types, ​and promote self-love, contributing to a broader movement of awareness and inclusivity.

The Holistic Approach Prinwe've implemented in the project is central to the Cyber Sisterhood project, p​erfectly aligning with our institution's dedication to intersectional feminism​ ​and inclusivity.

The Holistic Approach principle was interpreted through the collective effort to create a safe​, inclusive space where participants could share their varied experiences and learn f​r​om one another.

We are dedicated to learning and unlearning while developing a best practices guide shaped by ​the contributions of our community members and their intersectional experiences, both on​l​i​ne and offline.

The topic of digital equity was approached by actively engaging participants in discussions about their personal ​experiences with digital platforms, interfaces and technology. We also explored the broader systemic barriers that ​impact digital access and literacy. The workshops focused on identifying the challenges and opportunities related to ​digital inclusion. Together with the participants we have identified the following challenges in our group:

• Digital Literacy Gaps: Some participants lacked familiarity with various social media platforms.
  
• Limited Access to Devices and Connectivity: Multiple household members sharing a single computer or lacking a ​smartphone.
  
• Language Barriers: Some participants spoke only Polish or did not speak English.
  
• Age Differences: Participants' ages ranged from 14 to 55.
  
• Cybersecurity and Privacy Concerns: Issues included misuse of the internet, lack of knowledge about creating ​secure passwords, and risks of identity theft.
  
• Geographical Limitations: Participants faced challenges accessing data due to regional restrictions.
  

Having identified the above we decided build an open-minded and supportive community that could navigate these ​issues collectively.

Key Findings:

• Although participants strive to be empathetic, they often assume that everyone at the table ​shares the same level of digital literacy, knowledge of internet history, and language skills—​making moderation crucial.
  
• Expert moderation in digital security and mental health is essential for future events, given ​participants' experiences with difficult issues, such as cyberbullying, stalking, and identity theft.
  
• In the future it's crucial to organise both online and offline events to ensure inclusion and ​access.
  
• Clearly identifying participants' understanding of key definitions and assessing their digital ​literacy before working with technology is crucial.
  
• Creating a safe environment where group members can be vulnerable and share their ​experiences is necessary for fostering open dialogue and better understanding of the issues.
• Developing a "best practices" guide for using the Internet is needed.
  
• Art-making facilitates conversations about difficult topics and helps participants express their ​thoughts.
  
• Creating space for discussion for participants with different experiences and opinions is key to ​developing further education and support opportunities.

Interface Poetry collage ​exploring the ideas of Digital ​Equity made by participants

Immediate

Creation of Cyber Sisterhood Working Group for:

• Support and Empowerment: Foster a sense of community and solidarity among women online, providing support ​for issues like cyberbullying, online harassment, and digital inequality. Establish channels for continued support ​and dialogue, ensuring that issues and concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
  
• Advocacy: Promote digital rights and safety, advocate for policies and practices that protect women ​and marginalised groups online.
  
• Education and Awareness: Increase understanding of digital safety, privacy, and the broader implications
  
• of technology on gender and identity.
  
• Community Building: Create platforms or forums for members to share experiences, offer support, ​and collaborate on initiatives
  
• Diverse Representation: Involve women from various backgrounds, including different ages, professions, ​and cultures, to ensure a broad range of perspectives and experiences are considered.
  
• Safe Online Spaces: Develop and advocate for guidelines and best practices to create safer online environments ​for women and marginalised groups.
  

Long-term

• Creation of the Best Practices Guide that could provide essential guidelines and strategies for safe, ​responsible, and effective online behaviour tailored particularly to female users. It could cover areas such as ​maintaining privacy, protecting personal information, and recognizing and avoiding online threats. This guide ​would aim to empower female users with practical tips to enhance their digital security and overall online ​experience.

• Collaboration with tech companies in Kraków and Poland on promoting our efforts in discussing the issues ​of digital equity and Cyber Sisterhood.

• Regular open-to-all Workshops and Events: sessions on topics like digital literacy, cybersecurity, and online ​well-being, incorporating interactive elements like discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities.

Marta Grabowska is an art herstorian and curator based between London and Kraków, Poland. Her ​work focuses on intersectional feminism, migrant and working-class perspectives, and the role of ​grassroots arts organisations in fostering a more diverse and inclusive art world.

She pioneered a Slow Art practice that emphasises audience engagement and accessibility. Slow ​Art is based on the principles of slow, in-depth looking and building a relationship with an artwork. It ​proclaims the gallery as an experience, rather than a place; not an overwhelming or intimidating but ​a safe and liberating space, where an encounter with art and exchange of emotions takes place.

Marta co-founded two London-based art organisations, ONE Project and Red Zenith Collective, ​supporting women and non-binary creatives with ties to Central and Eastern Europe. In 2021, Marta ​co-founded the HERstory of Art Museum in Kraków, where she serves as Deputy Director and is the ​Head Curator of Contemporary Art. Her international curatorial work spans several countries, ​including the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, China, the USA, and online, reflecting her ​global influence. In 2023, she was nominated for the Kazimiera Bujwidowa Award, recognizing her ​significant contributions to the arts and her efforts to empower women and local communities.

Instagram: @_curatoress_

Aleksandra Pieńkosz (b. 1992) is a Polish intermedia artist, graphic and editorial designer, and an ​academic teacher of book design. She is also an experienced organiser of cultural events.

Aleksandra coined the term ‘Interface Poetry’ to describe her artistic method that she ​practiced since 2016. Her art is focused on finding human touch (both figuratively and literally) ​within new media and digital technologies, utilising found digital objects, text, and experimentally ​employed social media as her primary mediums. She romanticises technology, examines the ​remediation of human relationships, and plays with the idea of anthropomorphising the ​algorithm. Her works have been exhibited and published across Poland, Germany, Italy, Croatia, ​Australia, and the United States.

Aleksandra is the founder of Glitch Art Is Dead, a series of events launched in 2015 that ​established a platform to bring the Glitch Artists Collective—a social media based group of ​creators—to a broader audience, offering both theoretical context and appreciation.

Instagram: @ale.png

https://aleksandrapienkosz.art

MuHER (Herstory of Art Museum Foundation)  is a groundbreaking cultural institution dedicated to celebrating

and amplifying the contributions of women and non-binary individuals to art and culture. Founded in 2021 in ​Kraków, the foundation aims to challenge traditional art historical and cultural narratives by highlighting often ​overlooked and erased voices and perspectives and it operates on three core principles: dialogue, herstory, and ​empowerment.

Located in Kraków, MUHER serves as a vibrant platform for contemporary art, fostering dialogue and exploration ​around themes of gender, identity, and social justice. MuHER’s programming includes exhibitions, educational ​initiatives, and public events, all designed to engage diverse audiences and promote a more inclusive ​understanding of our collective past.

MUHER is committed to community engagement and accessibility, reflecting its mission to create a space where ​everyone can explore the rich and varied contributions of underrepresented voices. Through its work, MuHER ​strives to inspire future generations and reshape the art historical canon to better reflect the diversity of human ​creativity.

Plan for future events: 

Event 3: “Cyber Sisterhood: Security in the Digital World”

In an era of ubiquitous technology, every online activity we engage in ​leaves traces—from social media posts and forum comments to browsing ​histories. These pieces of information, known as a digital footprint, can be ​utilised by companies, employers, or even private individuals.

For women, managing their digital footprint is especially important

as it can affect their privacy and security. We will have the opportunity to ​talk with a cybersecurity expert who will share simple and effective ​strategies that can help each of us enhance our online security.

interface Poetry collage exploring the ideas

of Digital Equity made by one of the participants

Security Strategies We Will Discuss:

• Privacy protection on social media: How to set privacy on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms to ​protect your personal data.
  
• Cyberstalking and how to defend against it: Recognizing the signs of cyberstalking and the steps you can ​take to protect yourself.
  
• Dating app safety: Best practices for using dating apps and protecting yourself from scams.
  
• Safe online shopping: How to avoid fake online stores and protect your financial data while shopping online.
  
• Password management: Creating strong passwords and using password managers to protect online ​accounts.
  
• Protection against phishing: How to recognize suspicious emails and messages and avoid scams.
  
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): The benefits of using two-factor authentication and how to implement it on ​your accounts.
  
• Safe use of mobile devices: How to protect your smartphones and tablets from threats.
  
• Cyberbullying: Recognizing cyberbullying and strategies for dealing with it, both as a victim and as a witness.
  
• Managing your digital footprint: Awareness of the information we leave online and ways to control and ​minimise it.
  

Event 4: “Cyber Sisterhood: Know Your Rights in the Digital World”

This event is going to be dedicated to legal issues and the internet, held as part of the Cyber Sisterhood initiative.

The meeting aims to educate women about their rights in the digital world and discuss practical case studies related ​to image protection, privacy, biometric data collection, and other legal aspects.

Case Studies We Will Discuss:

• Image Protection on Social Media: Examples of illegal use of photos and how you can defend against it.
  
• Privacy Violations: Cases of personal data breaches and the legal steps you can take.
  
• Cyberstalking and Harassment: Stories of individuals who experienced cyberstalking and their rights to ​protection.
  
• Online Fraud: Examples of scams and how to assert your rights if you fall victim.
  
• Copyright Law: Protecting your online creations and dealing with illegal content copying.
  

Thank you

czesc@muher.org

www.muzeumherstoriisztuki.org

Instagram: @muzeumherstoriisztuki