Heitor Alvelos

Abstract
The goal of the present study is mapping the nature of possible contributions of participatory online platforms in citizen actions that may contribute in the fight against cancer and its associated consequences. The research is based on the analysis of online solidarity networks, namely the ones residing on Facebook and the blogosphere, that citizens have been gradually resorting to. The research is also based on the development of newer and more efficient solutions that provide the individual (directly or indirectly affected by issues of oncology) with the means to overcome feelings of impotence and fatality. In this chapter, the authors summarize the processes of usage of these decentralized, freer participatory platforms by citizens and institutions, while attempting to unravel existing hype and stigma; the authors also provide a first survey of the importance and the role of institutions in this kind of endeavor; lastly, they present a prototype, developed in the context of the present study that is specifically dedicated to addressing oncology through social media. © 2013, IGI Global.

Abstract
In this paper we will maintain that cultural institutions are increasingly facing the inevitability of a profound revision in their traditional parameters of unidirectional communication. Given the increasing availability of tools for audiovisual production as well as the diversity of networked communication contexts, the roles of the user and the audience have come to assume a participatory potential in the content they consume and attend; this will dictate their repositioning in relation to the universe of institutions' work. In order to communicate new messages, media narratives, views or perspectives on the same reality are constantly constructed, deconstructed and reconstructed. In this age of 'Consumer- Generated Media', identities and representations are constantly changing. The idea and the concept of a brand now extends far beyond its own limits, taking on important emotional values, and people enjoy being a part of that brand's mythology. The Serralves Foundation, along with its Museum of Contemporary Art, in Porto, Portugal, was the subject of a first study of an empirical nature: a series of audio-visual objects were developed, in order to generate material for analysis and proposition. In this subsequent stage, we aim at the identification of new procedures and practices that may be effectively implemented within the institutional universe. We intend to establish more efficient communication contexts, including the maximizing of a set of relationships between institutions and audiences regarding dimensions that are traditionally outside the institutional radar: identity, narrative and affection. By referring to key examples, we will posit that in order to achieve more success in their missions, cultural institutions should focus on participatory education and communication processes regarding contemporary issues. By doing this, they will strengthen their engagement with their audiences and bring them into the institutions' projects. This project is currently undertaking a wide inventory and taxonomy of the various institutional paradigms in regards to communication practices. We aim at producing a map of vocations and positions within the institutional world in regards to the aforementioned issues that require participatory communication. © Berg 2012 Printed In The UK.

Abstract

Abstract
In this paper we will maintain that cultural institutions are increasingly facing the inevitability of a profound revision in their traditional parameters of unidirectional communication. Given the increasing availability of tools for audiovisual production as well as the diversity of networked communication contexts, the roles of the user and the audience have come to assume a participatory potential in the content they consume and attend; this will dictate their repositioning in relation to the universe of institutions' work. In order to communicate new messages, media narratives, views or perspectives on the same reality are constantly constructed, deconstructed and reconstructed. In this age of 'Consumer-Generated Media', identities and representations are constantly changing. The idea and the concept of a brand now extends far beyond its own limits, taking on important emotional values, and people enjoy being a part of that brand's mythology. The Serralves Foundation, along with its Museum of Contemporary Art, in Porto, Portugal, was the subject of a first study of an empirical nature: a series of audio-visual objects were developed, in order to generate material for analysis and proposition. In this subsequent stage, we aim at the identification of new procedures and practices that may be effectively implemented within the institutional universe. We intend to establish more efficient communication contexts, including the maximizing of a set of relationships between institutions and audiences regarding dimensions that are traditionally outside the institutional radar: identity, narrative and affection. By referring to key examples, we will posit that in order to achieve more success in their missions, cultural institutions should focus on participatory education and communication processes regarding contemporary issues. By doing this, they will strengthen their engagement with their audiences and bring them into the institutions' projects. This project is currently undertaking a wide inventory and taxonomy of the various institutional paradigms in regards to communication practices. We aim at producing a map of vocations and positions within the institutional world in regards to the aforementioned issues that require participatory communication.

Abstract
In the last few years the word "documentary" has been loosely used to describe multimedia pieces that incorporate video no matter its nature, technique, language or scope, taking advantage of the fuzzy and fragile boundaries of the documentary definition. The present manifesto aims to give a brief insight on the interactive documentary arena and also to sketch some production remarks for future interactive documentary productions.