"It’s Your Story-Don’t Lose It"

Abstract

Audiovisual resources such as field recordings, commercial recordings, radio and television programmes, etc., captured on sound and image media, contain the primary multi-disciplinary records of the 20th and 21st centuries. According to a UNESCO report (2015), audiovisual documents have transformed society by becoming a permanent complement to the traditional written record. However, they are extremely vulnerable. Much of the world’s audiovisual heritage has already been irrevocably lost through neglect, destruction, decay and the lack of resources, skills and structures, thus impoverishing the memory of mankind. UNESCO further stresses that much more of audiovisual heritage will be lost if stronger and concerted international action is not taken. It was in this contest that the UNESCO General Conference in 2005 approved the commemoration of a World Day for Audiovisual Heritage as a mechanism to raise general awareness of the need for urgent measures to be taken in safeguarding this heritage as well as acknowledge the importance of audiovisual documents as an integral part of national identity. This year’s theme is: “It’s Your Story – Don’t Lose it”. The roundtable discussions will be centred around the proposed theme as well other issues – such as repatriation, best practices and Intellectual Property Rights/Copyright - relating to audiovisual heritage preservation and access in Ghana. The format and contents of the Roundtable discussion encourage and welcome contributions from the audience.