FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The Open Heritage Statement is a collective call for equitable access to heritage in the public domain. Drafted by the TAROCH Coalition, led by Creative Commons, it identifies barriers to access and outlines shared values, principles and actions to overcome them.

  • Any government, institution, or organization that supports equitable access to public domain heritage can sign. For example, signatories may include libraries, archives, museums, universities, or aligned NGOs.

    See the full list of signatories to the Open Heritage Statement.

  • The Statement is meant for governments, organizations, and institutions to sign. Individuals can’t sign, but your support is still vital. You can help amplify equitable access to public domain heritage in the digital environment in other ways. Use this form to connect with us and learn more.

  • Read more here.

    By signing, you:

    Demonstrate agreement with the shared values and principles that underpin equitable access to heritage.  

    Recognize the need to address the numerous undue and unfair barriers to such access.

    Add your voice to a global call for equitable access to heritage in the digital environment 

    Bring open heritage onto the international policy agenda.

  • No. Signing the Statement is a voluntary commitment. It signals support for the Statement, but it is not legally binding.

  • The Statement supports ongoing international conversations about a potential UNESCO standard-setting instrument on open heritage. Signing the Statement shows that there is global interest and momentum behind this issue.

RETURN HOME

  • Open heritage contributes directly to the SDGs by:

    • Expanding access to education (Goal 4).

    • Supporting inclusive, resilient communities (Goal 11).

    • Promoting access to information and participation in cultural life (Goal 16).escription

  • The Statement identifies 17 barriers to equitable access. Each barrier is paired with a commitment to action.

  • Approved signatories will be listed publicly on the website’s “Signatories” page.

  • No. Signing the Statement is free.

  • After signing, you will receive follow-up guidance with communications assets. These resources make it easy to share your commitment with your networks.

  • The Statement has been drafted by the TAROCH Coalition, a global alliance of 60+ organizations led by Creative Commons.

    See our “About” section for more information.