As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 dazzles in Basel from 10 to 17 May 2025, some volunteer contributors to the Wiki-platforma saw an opportunity. Through Wikimedia CH’s Community Grants Programme, they submitted a project to document Eurovision with freely licensed images for Wikimedia Commons. An this grant application was approved.

Despite Eurovision’s global audience of over 160 million viewers, quality photos from the event are scarce on Wikimedia platforms due to broadcaster restrictions. The WikiPortraits at Swiss Art, Music and Film Festivals project aims to change this as Eurovision returns to Switzerland after 36 years, following Nemo’s triumph in 2024.

The grant will support a team of experienced photographers who have secured media credentials for Eurovision’s many events. Their mission: capture high-quality, freely licensed portraits of Eurovision participants for Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms.

The potential for impact is high. The turquoise carpet event on May 11— set to be “the longest in ESC history”—presented a unique opportunity to photograph delegates from all 37 participating nations. Meanwhile, activities in Eurovision Village will feature past performers, allowing photographers to capture the event’s history along with its present.

This initiative aims to extend beyond Eurovision. The WikiPortraits photographers have documented global events like the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals, the Nobel Prizes, and SXSW. With photographers from Switzerland, Poland and the United States, the project hopes to not only expand to other important events in Switzerland like Davos and Art Basel but also engage photographers worldwide to contribute to Wikimedia Commons.

As Eurovision fans converge on Basel, they’re not just watching an exciting show—they’re witnessing a growing legacy of cultural heritage. From the Opening Ceremony at Basel Town Hall to the grand finale at St. Jakobshalle, each freely licensed image helps build the world’s free knowledge base while celebrating the diverse talents that make Eurovision such a beloved institution.

 

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Logo: By eurovision.tv/mediacentre, Logo Eurovision Song Contest Fair use from Wikimedia Commons.