Inclusive heritage
![Inclusive heritage A group of female mountaineers on an expedition in the Himalayas in 1962](/sites/default/files/styles/main_image_desktop/public/media/imgs/pinnacle_club_the_jagdula_summit_team_in_1962.jpg.jpg.webp?itok=mDuu4j7Y)
What is inclusion?
Inclusion is about taking action to ensure that contemporary society in the UK is better represented in your heritage project.
We believe everyone should be able to benefit from our funding, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, faith, class or income.
"Heritage activities bring people and communities together in so many brilliant ways. We are constantly inspired by the many creative ways previously hidden histories are shared, helping us all learn more about each other and our differing personal lives, experiences and memories."
Liz Ellis, Heritage Fund Policy Project Manager for inclusion
The terms we use:
Some of the terms we use include:
- diverse ethnic communities, or ethnically diverse communities. In Scotland we use MECC (minority ethnic and cultural community). We have revised our usage of the term BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic).
- LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other identities)
We use these terms because we believe they are widely understood. Identities can be complex and intersectional, and we are also aware that for many these terms may feel inadequate or limiting. We keep the language we use constantly under review.
What we expect from projects
Inclusion, access and participation is one of four Heritage 2033 investment principles that guide our grant decision making. Every project we fund must take into account how they will support greater inclusion, diversity, access and participation in heritage.
We want to see every project taking steps to reach out to new people, to share heritage beyond their organisation, and to embed inclusive practice as far as they can.
In planning your project, ensure that everyone you work with feels a sense of welcome and belonging. Take a look at our inclusion good practice guidance for advice and ideas.
Scroll down the page to see some of the inspiring projects we have funded.
What you can expect from us
We want to make sure our funding is open and accessible to all. We have set out a plan to meet people’s access needs, from translation services to digital application support.
Heritage of diverse ethnic communities
We support all sorts of projects which explore and celebrate the heritage of diverse ethnic communities.
We also want to help the sector itself to better reflect the UK population.
Children and young people
Since 1994, we are proud to have invested over £60million across the UK in projects working with children and young people. This includes the £10m Kick the Dust programme.
Disability heritage
Disabled people are under-served in every area of the heritage sector, including people who are learning disabled, people with physical or sensory disabilities or those living with dementia or using mental health services.
We are working in partnership with disabled people to change this unfair situation.
LGBTQ+ heritage
Since 1994 we've invested over £12million across the UK in sharing stories of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other identities) heritage, creativity, activism and much more.
Heritage for wellbeing
Heritage can build connectedness to where you live, to people around you or to a community online. It can support individual confidence and self-esteem, and provide opportunities to be mentally and physically active.
Heritage can also help us find meaning and purpose in our lives. Both are significant aspects in how we experience wellbeing.
![A space suit exhibited in a museum](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Science%20Museum%20image.jpg.webp?itok=q_A2TpPE)
Stories
Report: museums and heritage sites need to improve online accessibility information
![Person looking at a brightly coloured globe sculpture](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Leeds_%20Echoes%20in%20the%20Present%2C%20Larry%20Amponsah.jpg.webp?itok=PrWB5y88)
Projects
The World Reimagined: Journey of Discovery
A vibrant art education project aiming to transform understanding of the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and its significant global impact.
![Dynamic Collections: behind the scenes at Pitt Rivers](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/pitt-rivers.jpg.webp?itok=k4_9K2Ay)
Videos
Dynamic Collections: behind the scenes at Pitt Rivers
![Two people smiling and standing in front of a museum entrance](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/IMG_20220623_151024_1.jpg.webp?itok=oK530aIT)
Stories
A brave new tribute to a famous Victorian explorer
Publications
Understanding how we can be a more inclusive and equitable funder
![Dr Edson Burton](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Edson-Burton.jpg.webp?itok=fri6m7Uh)
Blogs
Why we need to tell untold stories
![A curator speaking to a group of museum visitors, gesturing to a sign on the wall](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/041_HD_220709_3696_%E2%94%AC%C2%AE%20Hydar%20Dewachi-954_0_0.jpg.webp?itok=9BDhReWR)
Blogs
Diversifying workforces benefits staff, employers and heritage audiences
![Young people standing in nature with gardening tools](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/MWjly22-319672_original.png.webp?itok=ZObWLX4L)
News
Investing in work placements for young people in natural heritage
![A revolution in industrial heritage Young people gathered around a red sofa](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Cactus-Crew.jpg.webp?itok=Uws9QPen)
Stories
A revolution in industrial heritage
![In Plain Sight poster Colourful handmade poster for the In Plain Sight project. Rainbows, flowers and an eye decorated with LGBTQ+ colours can be seen](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/In%20Plain%20Sight%20main%20image%20web.jpg.webp?itok=oNEhvqo9)
Projects
In Plain Sight: A Story of Gwen Lally
This Bradford-based project will explore the history and traditions of Gwen Lally – a queer historical figure and the first woman pageant producer in England
![George the Poet](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/George%20the%20Poet%20954.png.webp?itok=qauL3rNQ)
Videos
George the Poet: "celebrate nature in our day-to-day"
![Newham family being photographed during Newham Heritage Month Newham family being photographed during Newham Heritage Month](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Photographer%20Heather%20McDonagh%20takes%20picture%20of%20family%20outside%20home%20Corproation%20Street%20June%202020.jpg.webp?itok=Ift_8LPo)
Projects
London Borough of Newham
Newham Heritage Month is an annual heritage festival that celebrates the borough’s local heritage, led by the community for the community.