Every year on October 27, communities across the globe unite to celebrate World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. This important observance highlights the value of preserving films, sound recordings, radio broadcasts, television programmes and other audiovisual treasures for future generations.
What is World Day for Audiovisual Heritage?
Established by UNESCO in 2005, the day commemorates the adoption of UNESCO’s 1980 Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images. It recognises the vital role of audiovisual archives and the professionals working to prevent the loss of cultural memory held in recorded media.
When is World Day for Audiovisual Heritage?
The day is observed each year on October 27. In 2026, that falls on a Monday. Leading up to and on the day, museums, archives and broadcasters host screenings, exhibitions, workshops, forums and public events to showcase their audiovisual collections.
Why the Day Matters
Audiovisual materials are both fragile and irreplaceable—stored on film, tape, VHS, DVD and digital formats that degrade or become obsolete without care. Preserving these records safeguards cultural identity, historical memory and social diversity. On this day, we acknowledge the work needed to save national and community stories from fading into silence.
How to Get Involved
- Visit an event: Find archive tours, public screenings or listening sessions at film institutes, libraries or cultural centres.
- Explore your own collections: Digitise old home videos, family recordings or oral testimonies before they deteriorate.
- Join workshops: Learn techniques for digitisation, cataloguing, restoration or proper storage.
- Share the stories: Post excerpts from historic recordings, explain their significance and use #AudiovisualHeritageDay.
- Support archive efforts: Donate time, funds or resources to preservation projects in your area.
History of the Day
The date marks the 1980 adoption of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images. In 2005 it became an annual observance, co‑ordinated with the CCAAA and major associations like IASA, ICA and FIAF. Since 2007, memory institutions worldwide have taken part by sharing events, online highlights and educational programmes.
Noteworthy Facts
- The day honours the work of archivists and institutions in preserving audiovisual records that might otherwise be lost.
- Audio‑visual materials—like analogue film and magnetic tape—can deteriorate irreversibly within a decade without proper care.
- Themes such as “Your Window to the World” encourage archives to invite the public behind the scenes each year.
- Since its launch, the observance has grown to involve government agencies, NGOs, universities and community archive groups.
- Public engagement events often include live recordings, digitisation demonstrations, oral-history sharing and open-access film festivals.
Hashtags
#AudiovisualHeritageDay, #WorldDayForAudiovisualHeritage, #PreserveOurArchives
Links
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