Let the Gifs Begin! GIF IT UP 2018 takes place October 1-31

By DPLA, October 1, 2018.

International gif-making competition GIF IT UP returns for the month of October. Join the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) and partners Europeana, Trove (Australia), and DigitalNZ (New Zealand) to create original gif artwork, be inspired by creative reuse of cultural heritage materials, and celebrate one of the internet’s most beloved art forms.

Gif-makers and gif-lovers of all skill levels are invited to participate by creating original gifs using copyright-free digital video, images, or text from any of the participating digital library collections. Even if you’re not a gif-creator, keep an eye out for new entries on our GIPHY channel and #GIFITUP2018 and share your favorites to help spread the love for cultural heritage gifs.

Find all the rules, tools, and information you need for GIF IT UP 2018 below and on the contest website at gifitup.net.

What is a GIF?

A GIF is an image, video or text that has been digitally manipulated to become animated.

How to Enter:

To enter GIF IT UP, make a gif with material(s) found on DPLA, Europeana, DigitalNZ, or Trove. Your source material must come from at least one of these four sources and be marked as public domain or have a rights statement that clearly allows for reuse. Find detailed submission guidelines on the GIF IT UP contest page.

To find copyright-free material in DPLA, explore selected collections of open content or try searching for phrases like “public domain” or “no known copyright” alongside your keywords. Check the rights field on the item page to confirm it’s good to gif!

New to GIF-making? Watch our how-to webinars, “GIF Making 101” and “Advanced GIF Making,” and find tools, suggested materials, and resources on our website.

Why participate in GIF IT UP?

GIF IT UP helps promote public domain and openly licensed collections to a wider audience, and increase the reuse of cultural heritage materials from around the world. Plus, if internet fame is not enough reward, there are prizes for our top entries!

I ❤️ Gifs! Where can I see the entries?

All eligible entries will be showcased on the GIPHY channel dedicated to the competition, and promoted on social media with the hashtag #GIFITUP2018. Results of the 2018 competition will be announced in November on the GIF IT UP website and related social media.