GLAM/Newsletter/February 2025/Contents/Belgium report

This Month in GLAM – Volume XV, Issue II, February 2025

Belgium report

Belgium Public Domain Day and Dance Heritage

Project 'Wiki Editathon: Dance Heritage' completed

Results
4 new pages were created 16 pages were edited A total of 74 edits 39 references were added 5 uploads on Wikimedia Commons

On February 25, STUK, in collaboration with meemoo, and Wikimedia Belgium, hosted a dance heritage editathon to give dance a more prominent place on Wikipedia.

Bart Magnus (meemoo) kicked off the day with an introduction to Wikipedia and article writing. Participants then explored relevant topics, improved existing pages, and worked on translations. After a lunch break, editing continued, resulting in ten updated pages and one entirely new article the day itself.

The event was both productive and inspiring—expanding the presence of dance heritage on the world’s most consulted encyclopedia!

Writing session in STUK Leuven, checking sources online and offline.
Writing session in STUK Leuven, preparing the text offline.
Writing session in STUK Leuven, training by Bart Magnus (meemoo)

Project Public Domain Day

Did you know that works no longer under exclusive intellectual property rights become part of the public domain?

In Belgium, this usually happens 70 years after the author's death. Every year on January 1st, thousands of works enter the public domain—but that doesn’t always mean they are easily accessible.

On January 9, 2025, meemoo, the Royal Library of Belgium, international partners, and Wikimedia Belgium hosted the Public Domain Day, exploring the opportunities and challenges of public domain heritage.

The program featured keynotes, workshops, and discussions, including a talk by Séverine Dusollier (Sciences Po Paris), the launch of the revised Europeana Public Domain Charter, and Belgian showcases. Wikimedia Belgium presented the 10 winners of the photo contest Wiki Loves Heritage 2024.

The day ended with networking over a reception. Whether you're a professional, policymaker, or heritage enthusiast, Public Domain Day offers valuable insights and connections!

Main session
Prize winners and jury

Wiki Loves Heritage Belgium 2024

For the seventh time, the Wiki Loves Heritage competition was organised in 2024.

During Public Domain Day on 9 January, the 10 winners were honoured. All participants were also personally invited to this and were given their photos to take home after the ceremony.

Curious about what judges had to say about the photos of these winners? You can read a brief summary of the top 3 here:

Woestijnkapel of Gooik

The picture shows a serene chapel harmoniously embedded in a natural setting.

The contrast between the white chapel, the blue sky, and the green of nature is enhanced by the composition of clean lines and organic natural forms.

The tranquillity and simplicity of the landscape is accentuated by the harmonious colours and inviting centrepiece of the chapel, with a touch of dynamism provided by the subtle aerial activities.

Picture by: Leo Van Vreckem

Begijnhof of Bruges

The photo captures the historic and serene atmosphere of the Begijnhof Ten Wijngaerde, enhanced by an autumnal colour palette and calm composition.

The rhythm of windows, tree trunks and poles adds to the harmony, while the wide framing and soft lighting make the architectural details less prominent.

The sculpture radiates silence, detachment and tranquillity, befitting its historical and religious context. A classic and atmospheric moment of the ‘Venice of the North,’ captured in the colourful silence of autumn.

Picture by: Thaler Tamas

Château de Namur

The picture of Château de Namur shows the castle clearly and balanced, well integrated into its surroundings with a historical context.

The drone shot highlights the massive nature of the building and provides a full perspective that emphasises its scale and accessibility.

Although the composition is classic, the interplay of lines adds dynamism. A successful shot that highlights both the architecture and accessibility of the location.

Picture by: Gilles Laurent