Creative Commons and the TAROCH Coalition (Towards a Recommendation on Open Cultural Heritage) announce the launch of the Open Heritage Statement, now open for signature by governments, organizations, and institutions worldwide.
Developed by more than 60 organizations across 25 countries within the Coalition, the Statement defines shared values, highlights key challenges, and sets action-oriented priorities for closing the global gap in equitable access to heritage in the public domain. It is grounded in a shared vision and intended to lay the groundwork for a global dialogue toward an international framework for open heritage. It aims to support UNESCO’s ongoing work on cultural rights, digital transformation, and knowledge sharing for sustainable development, reinforcing UNESCO’s founding commitment to the free flow of ideas.
By bringing together diverse perspectives from around the world, the Open Heritage Statement strives to advance equitable access to heritage in the digital environment and unlock the potential of open heritage to foster creativity and shape sustainable futures for all. It underscores that access to heritage is integral to the fundamental right to participate in cultural life, essential to protect cultural and linguistic diversity, a key pillar of sustainable development, and necessary to sustain democratic societies.
Open Heritage’s Untapped Potential
From sparking creativity to fueling education and scientific research, open heritage generates positive ripple effects across society. Yet, only about 1% of cultural heritage institutions openly share their heritage collections. Incorrect copyright claims over digital reproductions, technological locks, prohibitive access fees, lack of sustainable infrastructure, and inconsistent legal frameworks are just some of the barriers that stand in the way of equitable access to heritage. The result is fragmented and fragile access that prevents people from engaging with heritage, our shared resource.
A Momentous Contribution to UNESCO’s Efforts
This launch builds on Creative Commons’ long-standing collaboration with UNESCO, as formalized by our recent recognition as an official partner to UNESCO (consultative status). It is also an answer to the call made by UNESCO at MONDIACULT 2025 — the world’s largest conference on cultural policies — for culture to be treated as a global priority amid mounting geopolitical divides and multiple crises.
Why Sign the Statement?
Signing the Open Heritage Statement is more than symbolic; it is a way for signatories to demonstrate shared commitment, signal broad sectoral consensus to policymakers, and strengthen a global, community-driven movement. Each signature helps build momentum toward an international framework to ensure equitable access to heritage in the digital environment.
Open Heritage Statement Launch Webinar
Creative Commons will host a webinar to mark the launch of the Statement and brief participants on its objectives, impact, and opportunities for engagement.
Date: 14 October 2025
Time: 14:00 UTC
Register here
Take Action
By signing the Open Heritage Statement today, you add your voice to a global call for equitable access to heritage, helping to lower barriers, stimulate creativity, and preserve our cultural memory for future generations.
Learn more about the Open Heritage Statement.
Posted 06 October 2025