See the Glasstire DataHack’s schedule here.
What is the Glasstire DataHack?
The Glasstire DataHack is an opportunity for people interested in the arts and data to come together and look at the landscape of art in the City of Houston.
Glasstire, being the online publication for art in Texas for 18 years, has compiled a unique data set of art venues throughout the city. Using this data set as a starting point, the Glasstire DataHack asks participants to search for insights and visualizations about Houston’s socio-cultural landscape by drawing on relevant data and information.
This event is made possible by a grant from the Houston Endowment, and by Glasstire’s partnership with Rice University.
Where & when?
Sewall Hall, Rice University campus
Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 10 AM to 9 PM
Sunday, October 6, 2019 from 8 AM to 5 PM
Is there a theme for projects? What if I don’t have an idea yet?
The only requirement is that projects incorporate the provided data set of art venues across Houston. This data set includes geospatial and other metadata fields that can be used as-is or cross-linked with external datasets. From there, projects can roam free. Some potential ideas are to look at related housing data, public transportation and parking in the city, etc.
Is there a prize?
The winning team will receive a prize of $5,000. Projects will be judged by a panel based on three criteria — each judged on a 1-10 scale:
1. Insight: how insightful are the project’s findings? Are the findings unique?
2. Use of data: how well did the project use the provided data set and other data sets?
3. Aesthetics: are the project’s findings legible and easy to understand?
How many people are on a team / what if I don’t have a team?
Teams are limited to no more than 4 individuals. You can come to the event with a team prepared, or you can come as an individual and find a team. We will provide time and onsite registration at the beginning of the DataHack for individuals to find projects that interest them. Advance registration is available here.
Are there fees to participate?
The Glasstire DataHack is free for participants and spectators.
Is the venue open overnight?
No, the venue will only be open to teams from 10 AM to 9 PM on Saturday and from 8 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.
What should I bring?
You should plan to bring your own electronics, laptops, power cables, and any software you may need. Also bring your own ideas and data sets — innovative projects will bring in unexpected and insightful data. While we will provide some power strips, we recommend you bring an extra, just in case.
What is provided?
1. Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and snacks will be provided throughout the DataHack. Efforts will be made to be inclusive of dietary restrictions. You are welcome to bring your own food also.
2. Wi-fi: self-explanatory
3. Power strips
What’s the parking situation?
Participants are encouraged to park in Rice University’s Lovett Lot or Founders Court Lot, both located near Sewall Hall. The event will offer free, validated parking in Rice University lots to participants and spectators. For more information on parking on the Rice campus, please go here.
Do I need to stay the whole time?
No, you are free to come and go.
Who owns the intellectual property from this event?
This must be decided between team members — neither Glasstire nor Rice University will own the models or insights produced at the DataHack.
What is Glasstire?
Glasstire is the oldest online-only art publication in the country. We are proud to have been promoting the visual arts in Texas to a local, regional and national audience since 2001, and we are the journal of record for the Texas visual art community. In addition to publishing reviews, interviews, essays, videos, and podcasts, we publish daily news reports covering art happenings in Texas. Our website also hosts regional event listings and a robust classifieds section, which features open calls, job listings, residency and grant opportunities, and more.