“Opening up cultural artifacts from African organizations might change how we’re represented in online spaces” says Kirsty von Gogh from Johannesburg. She also shares how increasing production of culturally, linguistically, and contextually aware and relevant content can ensure a more representative digital space for Africans, and how open licensing increases accessibility to this content.

Open Culture VOICES is a series of short videos that highlight the benefits and barriers of open culture as well as inspiration and advice on the subject of opening up cultural heritage. Kirsty is a project manager for Neil Buchanan & Associates where she works to promote open licensing of educational and cultural material across Africa, for example of story books in underrepresented languages, and the implementation of the UNESCO recommendation on Open Education Resources.

Kirsty responds to the following questions:

1. What are the main benefits of open GLAM?
2. What are the barriers?
3. Could you share something someone else told you that opened up your eyes and mind about open GLAM?
4. Do you have a personal message to those hesitating to open up collections?

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Want to hear more insights from Open Culture experts from around the world? Watch more episodes of Open Culture VOICES here >>