The second edition of Wiki Loves Monuments, the Guinness World Record holder for the largest photography competition, has been launched.

The competition brings together photographers from around the world to take pictures of cultural heritage to be shared on Wikipedia.

During a press conference, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici explained how this serves to raise awareness about cultural heritage in Malta's communities.

Speaking at the competition launch at the National Museum of Archaeology, Wikimedia Community Malta President Tony Micallef explained that this year's competition will take place in over 50 countries across six continents. Since the competition began in 2010, nearly two million photographs have been uploaded, with last year's competition attracting over 277,000 submissions across 42 countries. This is the second time that Malta will be participating.

Spazju Kreattiv Chairman Rupert Cefai stated: "It is our interest to serve as a platform and catalyst for such projects and initiatives. As an integral project from the Spazju Kreattiv programme, Wiki Loves Monuments allows Spazju Kreattiv to serve the creative community, namely the photographers participating, but also reaching out to other communities."

The competition opens on September 1 and the deadline for submissions is September 30. A jury composed of experts from the field of cultural heritage, photography and Wikipedia will select a number of winning entries. Submitted photos will also be exhibited at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta (St James Cavallier) throughout November and December. Ten winning submissions will be nominated for the international Wiki Loves Monuments contest, with the opportunity to win further prizes.

For more information on how to participate, visit www.wikimalta.org/WLM2017. Wiki Loves Monuments in Malta is organised by Wikimedia Community Malta (WCM) in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv and Heritage Malta, and is sponsored by Photocity.