The research project 'Common People' builds on earlier research projects by Jasper Rigole related to his IICADOM project. At its the core is an ever-expanding archive of orphaned home movies compiled by the researcher. This project starts from the observation that the scale, nature, and intent of the archive have shifted significantly over the years. What began as a playful and ironic initiative has evolved into a substantial archive with considerable cultural and historical value. This evolution opens up many opportunities but also brings new challenges and issues. The central question of the project is how an archive that is, in principle, subject to copyright can meaningfully contribute to the commons, and how we can address the implications when these images become part of the public domain.
