The project will invite the Iranian community in the North East to learn about, explore, record and document Iranian history and heritage in the region.

Participants will be equipped with a range of skills that will enable them to record oral histories, work in archives and collections, produce digital stories and learning materials, and plan events to celebrate and widen the understanding of Iranian culture amongst their own community and the general public.

Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, Ivor Crowther, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the NCP with such an exciting community project, which will open up this currently under-researched part of the North East’s cultural heritage. Helping communities to celebrate  our diverse heritage is something we are very proud of at HLF, and by telling the stories of the Iranian community - through talks, workshops and events - more people will be able to learn about this rich culture.” 

The project will culminate in two heritage events in Newcastle and Gateshead, and a contribution of digital stories and oral histories to the Discovery Museum’s new gallery ‘Destination Tyneside’.

Northern Cultural Projects specialises in arts and heritage projects that benefit the community. Director Silvie Fisch, says: “We are over the moon that the HLF have decided to support our project! Despite the three historically significant waves of immigration in the 20th century, the history of the Iranian community in the region is still without documentation. With the upcoming opening of the Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums, ‘Destination Tyneside Gallery ' the timing is ideal to investigate how the reasons and patterns of migration of the Iranian diaspora have had a significant impact on ways in which different groups within the community define their identity. We also hope our project will lead to a greater visibility of the rich Iranian heritage in the North East, and help to combat negative stereotypes.”

Notes to editors

Northern Cultural Projects is a Community Interest Company based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. They specialise in arts and heritage projects that benefit the community.

In particular, our team has worked for many years with older people, disabled people and minority ethnic communities.

Further information

Silvie Fisch, Director, Northern Cultural Projects on 07929 852 602 or silvie.fisch@northernculturalprojects.org.