What we do
The CC Open Culture Platform is coordinated by the CC Open Culture Program, and provides a space to share resources, enhance collaboration and raise awareness on open access to digital cultural heritage, working with Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAMs) professionals and open advocates.
- Read more about how our members have benefited from the Open Culture Platform.
Moving 25 Institutions to Open — An Open Culture Platform Challenge
- Over the next two years (2024-2025), the platform plans to work together to help 25 institutions and/or collections holders to adopt open access policies and/or practices for their collections. To learn more please reach out to the Open Culture Team by emailing info@creativecommons.org.
How to engage and join the Platform
Anyone who is interested can engage with the Platform through the following ways:
- Become a member, where you can be added to our mailing list, and can join monthly meetings and work together on collaborative projects to further Open Culture.
- If you are part of the CC community Slack, you can also join the #cc-openculture channel.
2025 Activity Fund: Invitation to Submit
NOTE: Submissions are due 21 February
This year, the Activity Fund is here to spark connection by supporting community-driven events—both in-person and virtual! These events are all about empowering cultural heritage institutions to embrace open practices and share their collections and resources with the world. Whether you’re planning a hands-on workshop, an engaging webinar, an inspiring conference, or a practical training session, we’re excited to help bring your vision to life.
To get your creativity flowing, here are a few ideas to jump-start your program design—but don’t feel limited. This is your chance to dream big and create something uniquely impactful! Your event should cover topics along the open journey, starting with…
- Digitizing collections to…
- Navigating copyright essentials
- Adopting open licenses and tools
- Addressing challenges and barriers to open
- Connecting with global communities and all the way to…
- Other ideas from you.
This focus also aligns with Creative Commons’ new strategic plan, specifically Goal 3: “Center Community.” This goal underscores the importance of collaboration, diversity, and reciprocity—the foundation of open culture and the people and communities who make it possible.
Key Details of the Activity Fund
- Priorities:
- Collaboration: We seek projects that encourage teamwork among platform members.
- Impact: Proposals should outline clear goals, measurable outcomes, and a solid implementation plan.
- Global Majority (Global South) Focus: While all regions are welcome, we especially encourage initiatives amplifying voices in these countries.
- Expected Outcomes:
- Empowered Professionals: Equip cultural heritage teams with the tools and knowledge for sustainable open access practices.
- Shared Learnings: Through a detailed event report with key insights, recommendations, and best practices, provide a guide for others in the field.
- Grant Amount: $500–$5,000 USD, depending on proposal needs.
- Application Deadline: 21 February 2025.
- Project Completion Deadline: All activities must be completed by 15 November 2025, with final reporting due by 30 November 2025.
Who Can Apply?
- Current platform members are eligible.
- Collaboration between members in different countries and organizations is encouraged.
- Note: New member applications will not be accepted during this funding round. There will be a moratorium on applications to join the platform between 30 January and 21 February (the activity fund application deadline).
Selection Process
- Submit Application: Complete the application form.
- Platform Voting: Eligible applications will be reviewed, and platform members can vote for up to three projects (excluding their own).
- Funding Decision: One winner per country will be selected to ensure geographic diversity.
Note: Creative Commons reserves the right to cancel or reallocate funds if no viable projects emerge.
Recently funded projects:
Read our 2024 Year in Review
