Internet Archive Europe (IAE) is proud to announce that we have officially signed the Open Heritage Statement, joining a global coalition of governments, institutions, and organisations committed to advancing equitable access to cultural heritage in the digital environment.
The Open Heritage Statement is a collective call for a future in which cultural heritage in the public domain is openly accessible, discoverable, and reusable for everyone. Developed collaboratively by organisations across more than 25 countries, it highlights the ongoing barriers that keep heritage locked away and outlines shared values and priorities to ensure that public domain heritage can be preserved, explored, and reimagined by all.
Why This Matters
At Internet Archive Europe, our mission has always been rooted in expanding access to knowledge. Openness is essential to supporting cultural participation, strengthening democratic societies, and enabling education, research, creativity, and innovation. Today, much of our shared heritage remains inaccessible online due to legal, technical, or resource-related obstacles. By adding our signature, we reaffirm our commitment to working with partners worldwide to overcome these barriers and help build a more inclusive digital cultural landscape.
A Shared Commitment
“Signing the Open Heritage Statement reflects Internet Archive Europe’s deep commitment to opening access to heritage and strengthening the cultural commons. This coalition demonstrates that meaningful change happens when institutions work together across borders — and we are delighted to contribute to this collective effort.”
— Beatrice Murch, Internet Archive Europe
Our signature underscores the importance of collaboration and the belief that open heritage benefits everyone — from researchers and educators to artists, students, and the broader public.
Looking Ahead
We are equally excited to share that, following recent discussions, Internet Archive Europe will co-organise a joint Our Future Memory and Open Heritage event at the IAE Headquarters in Amsterdam on 2 March 2026. The event will bring together cultural heritage leaders, policymakers, and open knowledge advocates to discuss next steps for advancing equitable access to heritage across Europe and beyond. Planning for the programme and guest list will continue in the coming months, and we look forward to shaping this gathering with our partners.
Join the Movement
We invite governments, institutions, and organisations that share this vision to explore the Open Heritage Statement and consider adding their voice. Together, we can help ensure that heritage in the public domain truly serves the public good.
👉 Learn more and see the list of signatories at:
https://openheritagestatement.org
