Christina Battle
Stolon Mesh is a community mesh network seeded by 221A that offers free wifi to users in Vancouver’s DTES & Chinatown, and beyond. Developed by artist and 221A Fellow Christina Battle in collaboration with a team of researchers, community liaisons and technologists, Stolon Mesh is a growing network infrastructure with the aim of creating a local-first digital commons that will remain just, caring and responsible to others. The network’s first node is located within the x̱aw̓s shew̓áy̓ New Growth《新生林》garden at 271 Union Street.
Stolon Mesh, a mesh network in Vancouver, provides free, locally accessible internet to underrepresented communities, creating a digital commons focused on care and accountability.• Tech Literacy & Accessibility: Stolon Mesh supports tech literacy by making digital resources freely accessible, helping communities connect with culturally nuanced digital resources.• Reducing Harm in New Media: The network minimizes digital exclusion in marginalized communities, ensuring that digital connectivity does not perpetuate inequities.• Data & Knowledge Stewardship: By prioritizing local, community-defined access, Stolon Mesh provides a sustainable model for digital sovereignty and ethical digital infrastructure in public spaces.