“The digital humanities must decide if they are potting their digital plants in order to prettify the office, or to nurture saplings for later transfer into the great outdoors.” – Ian Bogost

In this “Talk” session, we will discuss how digital humanities projects might redefine the relationship between the scholar and the public. Through examples of ongoing, past, and hypothetical projects that engage the public, we will explore the following questions: How can scholars engage communities outside of their academic institutions using digital methodologies? What are the models for public participation we’re currently seeing in DH projects, and what models might we see in the future? How can DH projects be transformative for all parties involved? How can researchers navigate creative partnerships whilst maintaining rigorous academic standards?

Bring an example of a project, germinal or realized, that may shed light on one or more of these issues.