Take part in the survey

The survey aims to gather a broad understanding of the community’s needs regarding a potential centralized structure for GLAM-related activities within the Wikimedia Movement.

GLAM affiliate initiative

In March 2025, the informal working group met for the first time to discuss a way forward for a GLAM Leadership & Organizational Structure Solution (GLOSS). In short, how might we form an organizational structure within the Wikimedia movement, such as an affiliate?

Why is a formal structure for the GLAM, Culture and Heritage Sector needed in the Wikimedia community?

Advocacy & Representation – A centralized body would advocate for GLAM interests within the Wikimedia Movement, ensuring that cultural heritage is recognized and prioritized. Currently, GLAM is often sidelined in discussions about Wikimedia’s future direction.
Visibility & Support – GLAM has been a marginalized topic, and a formal structure would provide greater visibility, fostering recognition and support from the broader Wikimedia community.
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing – A structured entity would enable better coordination, documentation of best practices, and knowledge exchange among GLAM contributors worldwide.
Metrics & Impact Measurement – A unified GLAM structure would develop tools to better measure and showcase the impact of GLAM initiatives, strengthening accountability and advocacy.
Diversity & Inclusion – GLAM activities involve diverse participants, institutions, and projects. A formal structure would ensure that smaller groups, underrepresented regions, and local heritage initiatives receive support and resources.
Sustainability & Institutional Memory – A coordinated GLAM-Wiki body would help sustain projects long-term, prevent duplication of efforts, and provide continuity despite volunteer turnover.
Bridging Governance & Content Creation – There is a growing tension between governance structures and content contributors in the Wikimedia Movement. A dedicated GLAM entity would help bridge this divide, ensuring that cultural heritage work is supported and valued.
External Partnerships & Open Access – A formal structure would strengthen collaborations with cultural institutions, making it easier to advocate for Open Access and facilitate partnerships on a larger scale.

Role of the Working Group

Support in bringing together contributors to create a unified voice
Identifying the needs of the community, facilitating discussions, and establishing consensus to guide decisions.
Organizing ongoing conversations and integrating various perspectives, to shape them into a broader plan and timeline.
Clarifying what falls within the scope of GLAM, Culture and Heritage

Possible future scenarios

Form a user group
Create a new Hub
Form a thematic organization
Something else

Next steps

As a first step the working group has agreed to survey the GLAM Wiki community about the needs and scope of a formal structure. The survey is available here GLAM/GLOSS/Survey

2025 Calendar

April: Global GLAM Call
April: GLOSS meeting (date TBD)
August: Wikimania 2025, Nairobi Global GLAM Meetup
October: GLAM Wiki Conference 2025, Lisbon

If you’re interested to get involved reach out to any member of the working group via the telegram GLAM Wiki group chat.

Contact: Volunteer coordinator, Connor Benedict

Existing groups and structures

Global GLAM Calls – call series, started after Wikimania 2024
EU GLAM Coordinators / European GLAM-Wiki coordinator – Telegram group and call
WREN (Wikimedians in Residence Exchange Network) – User group and call
Cultural Partnerships Help Desk (Wikimedia Sweden)
Wiki + Libraries – User group and conference series
ESEAP GLAM Wiki group (started in 2025)
African GLAM groups (Alice Kimbombo investigating)

GLAM/GLOSS

GLAM affiliate initiative

Role of the Working Group

Possible future scenarios

Next steps

2025 Calendar

Existing groups and structures

Previous and related efforts

Previous event coordination

Current members of the working group