Overcoming Barriers to Access to Public Domain Heritage: A Global Dialogue Toward Solutions

Abstract

This session will first examine the challenges that limit access to cultural heritage in the public domain and the impact that has on people’s enjoyment of and participation in cultural life.

Next, the session will introduce the global advocacy efforts of the TAROCH (Toward a Recommendation on Open Cultural Heritage) Coalition, a Creative Commons-led initiative. TAROCH brings together organizations and institutions in international dialogue to address barriers to public domain heritage access. Ultimately, the coalition aims to advance a UNESCO global policy standard that will help guide and empower cultural heritage institutions to open their collections, benefiting society, fostering inclusion, and enriching cultural participation.

Finally, the session will demonstrate actionable steps cultural heritage institutions can take now to leverage open licenses, tools, and practices – supported by education, training and other initiatives – to implement open-access practices and share their collections more openly and sustainably.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the challenges surrounding public domain access, the role of global advocacy in shaping policy solutions, and practical opportunities to support or participate in collective efforts that advance open-access practices.