Users can download, edit, and repurpose high resolution images of their favorite Getty artworks in the public domain without any legal restrictions. Add a print of your favorite Dutch still life to your gallery wall or create a shower curtain using the Irises by Van Gogh—the possibilities are endless.
While Getty’s Open Content program began in 2013, its transition to relicensing its entire collection of images in the public domain under CC0 policy marks a strong commitment to increase transparency and access for art enthusiasts, educators, artists, historians, and more. In addition to the images, key information about each object is available under CC0 and easily searchable, including artist name, title, date, culture, medium, dimensions, object type, and more.
“We are committed to supporting and growing a diverse audience and have already noticed an uptick in image downloads on our site, averaging about 30,000 per month,” says Jenn Stringer, vice president, chief digital officer at the J. Paul Getty Trust. “This shows demand is high and we anticipate that number will grow as more images from the Getty collection are made available.”
Images will be continuously added to Getty’s Open Content database as more objects are acquired by the Museum and as others enter public domain.
“We’re glad the art community has adopted CC0 as the industry standard to help broaden the impact of collections worldwide and remove barriers to experiencing art,” says Richard Rand, associate director of collections at the Getty Museum. “We hope the public continues to enjoy exploring and using our images in creative ways for years to come.”