Preserving Stories, Preserving Identity: Wiki Loves Folklore Unveiled
08-07, 10:00–10:25 (Poland), Tbilisi (7)
Language: English

Through Wiki Loves Folklore, we embark on a journey of discovery, venturing into the heart of communities to document festivals, rituals, traditional crafts, and oral histories. Each photograph becomes a testament to the resilience of cultural heritage, preserving moments that might otherwise slip into obscurity. But beyond the images themselves lies a deeper narrative—a narrative of collaboration, community, and the profound impact of grassroots initiatives.


In this 25-minute session, we invite you to embark on a captivating exploration of Wiki Loves Folklore, a pioneering initiative that harnesses the power of photography to document and promote cultural heritage worldwide. Through a carefully curated presentation, we'll delve into the heart of this movement, unravelling its origins, goals, and transformative impact on communities around the globe.

Drawing upon compelling case studies and success stories, we'll showcase the diverse array of themes and categories covered in Wiki Loves Folklore, from ancient rituals to contemporary folk traditions. Participants will gain insights into the collaborative nature of the initiative, discovering how individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to capture the essence of their cultural heritage through the lens of a camera.

Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to reflect through a 10 mins Q&A session on the broader implications of Wiki Loves Folklore, exploring its role in preserving intangible cultural heritage, fostering intercultural dialogue, and promoting global understanding. Through thought-provoking discussions and interactive engagement, we'll delve into the challenges and opportunities facing the initiative, paving the way for future innovation and growth.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer, a cultural enthusiast, or simply curious about the world's rich tapestry of traditions, this session promises to inspire and enlighten. So join us as we celebrate the magic of folklore, one photograph at a time, and discover the profound impact of Wiki Loves Folklore on our shared human experience

Session recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/kBr9tNEMA0k?feature=shared&t=914


How does your session relate to the event themes: Collaboration of the Open?*

The activity of the Wiki Loves Folklore online photography contest epitomizes the theme of Collaboration of the Open through various facets. It fosters open collaboration by inviting a diverse range of participants to contribute their folklore-related photographs to Wikimedia Commons, thus enriching the open-access repository of knowledge. By crowdsourcing images related to folklore, it harnesses the collective knowledge of participants to document and preserve diverse cultural traditions worldwide. Furthermore, the contest promotes community engagement by involving individuals passionate about folklore, fostering a sense of community around the preservation of cultural heritage. Through the open-access nature of Wikimedia Commons, the photographs submitted become readily available for anyone to view, use, and share, aligning with the theme of Collaboration of the Open by promoting the sharing of cultural heritage materials in an accessible and inclusive manner. Moreover, the cross-cultural exchange facilitated by participants from various backgrounds contributes to collaboration and understanding among different regions and communities, thus exemplifying the collaborative spirit of the open movement.

What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?*

Everyone can participate in this session

How do you plan to deliver this session?*

Hybrid with some participants in Katowice and others dialing in remotely

What other themes or topics does your session fit into? Please choose from the list of tags below.

Edit-a-thons, Campaigns, Events, Storytelling

Tiven2240 is a dedicated advocate of the Open Movement, volunteering since 2016. They were drawn to the movement through Wikipedia, where they began their journey of contributing to freely accessible information. As the chief coordinator for Wiki Loves Folklore and Feminism and Folklore, they work internationally to document and preserve cultural heritage.