Vol. 47 No. 1 (2020): Cultural Commons

This thematic issue of Ethnologia Fennica is devoted to scrutinising cultural commons. The authors introduce topical viewpoints off the beaten track of the much-discussed topic of open culture and accessibility of collections in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) sector. The articles discuss ownership, sharing and creativity both through cases that illuminate contemporary discussions and through historical case studies. The articles cover themes from the possibilities and problems of the notion of cultural appropriation in music and literature to aural commons. The authors are not so much interested in the possible adverse consequences of the media and regimechanges; rather, they trace the different forms and practices surrounding the ideas of sharing resources and regimenting it.