FAQ | Technical Support for Virtual Convening

Who should I contact if I have questions?

If your question involves the Virtual Convening, please contact gia@giarts.org and mention GIARemixd in the subject (if you can).

If your question involves anything to do with Grantmakers in the Arts, please contact Membership Manager Yessica Corporán at yessica@giarts.org.

Is there anything I need to download on my computer before November 9?

Yes! Please be sure to download Zoom  on your device prior to the start of the 2020 GIA Virtual Convening. If you are new to using Zoom or unfamiliar with the platform, we recommend spending some time getting familiar with the functions including: how to change your name, muting and unmuting, controlling video access, using the chat function, and using reactions to comment or ask a question. This handy Zoom Tip Sheet may just become your best friend!

Can I join session from my phone or other non-laptop device?

You’ll probably find this difficult to navigate, and you might not be able to see all of the other participants in the Zoom room with you.

I think I registered for the Virtual Convening, but I cannot find an email. What do I do?

If you registered, you should have received a confirmation email, so check your spam if you don't see it.

If you are having trouble, please email gia@giarts.org.

What if I can’t remember my password?

You can reset your password through Eventbrite or email us for support at gia@giarts.org.

I’m not able to get into the Zoom room, what do I do?

The Zoom link for keynotes, sessions, and roundtables will become available the morning of each convening day. From the schedule page, be sure to click the “Access Zoom Rooms” button at the top of the page. If you do not see a Zoom link underneath your session, you may not be signed in. The email and password used during registration will be necessary to sign in and access Zoom links.

If you see the link, but are not able to join the room, it could be one or more of the following reasons:

• The Waiting Room has been enabled and the host will let you in shortly.
• The room is at capacity and you will need to choose another session.
• Your Zoom software is not up to date.

What do I do if my cat wants to be on camera with me?

We know folks are joining from personal spaces, it’s nothing to worry about. We at GIA are big cat fans, so we’ll probably like an introduction! If you have questions about cat care, cat food, or cat rescue, email Sylvia Jung at sylvia@giarts.org!

Do I need to keep my camera on throughout the whole convening?

We would love to see each other’s faces. It helps creates a feeling of community as well as provides an opportunity for other folks to read facial expressions and understand non-verbal communication. However, we recognize circumstances and needs differ. Take care of yourself however you need to.

You can upload a picture of yourself in Zoom so that when your camera is off participants see that instead of just your name. It’s not exactly the same, but something to consider!

What are the dates and what is the schedule?

Please check out our schedule page for full details and timings for breakout sessions and roundtables. All events are displayed in Eastern Standard Time. For quick reference, a general schedule is below showing each event in five time zones.

When are keynotes and sessions scheduled? What times?

The Virtual Convening schedule is automatically presented in Eastern Standard Time. We’ve timed out sessions to be convenient for as many time zones as possible from coast to coast. Each Monday the day will be organized as follows:

What if my schedule changes or I cannot make a live session? Are sessions recorded?

All keynote sessions will be recorded and made available on our YouTube channel this winter. Similar to the in-person annual conference - to preserve the intimacy, integrity, and safety of the breakout sessions, roundtables, and workshops - we will not be recording these spaces. For sessions you were not able to attend, check out the GIA Convening Blog to read a summary and reflections throughout the convening.

How do I ask a question during a keynote or session?

During keynotes, you can ask questions using the Q&A function. Speakers will be able to see submitted questions and might be able to respond during the keynote. The Q&A function doesn’t allow for responses or discussion among participants. For this, we recommend using the chat function.

During breakout sessions and roundtables, you can ask questions using the chat function. In each session, a member of the GIA Team will be present to help moderate, manage the chat, and pass questions from the chat to presenters. The chat feature allows for answers and responses from not just the presenters but from everyone in the meeting, which is a great way to have a more dynamic dialogue.

How is the first-ever GIA Virtual Convening different from the Annual Conference?

While our annual in-person conference is cancelled, due to COVID-19, and we will not be able to gather in NYC as we planned, we know it is vitally important for the GIA community to come together to heal, to learn, to navigate these challenging times, and to reimagine futures we need.

We are committed to providing a convening space that centers your health and safety. We will have opportunities to hear from artists working for racial equity and justice, grantmakers working to advance the field toward a more just future, and strategists, activists, and national partners reflecting on the challenges the cultural ecosystem faces - rooted in systemic racism and amplified by the coronavirus pandemic – and imagining new systems of power and practice for a more resilient future.