Investing in heritage of diverse ethnic communities
![a group of people pose for a photo in Wales with hills and historic mining equipment in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/main_image_desktop/public/media/imgs/Roma%20community%20enjoying%20a%20day%20out%20with%20industrial%20heritage%20in%20the%20South%20Wales%20valleys%20Heritage%20Fund.jpg.webp?itok=y-6DzvUQ)
At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we support all sorts of projects which explore and celebrate the heritage of diverse ethnic communities.
During Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, we’re highlighting projects that showcase the diverse histories and heritage of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Discover the stories of these projects below.
We want everyone to have opportunities to learn, develop new skills and explore heritage, regardless of background or personal circumstances. That's why under our Heritage 2033 investment principles inclusion, access and participation must be part of every project we fund.
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)
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. This describes a range of ethnic groups or people with nomadic ways of life who are not from a specific ethnicity.
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.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month
Each June Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month celebrates the histories, cultures and traditions of a diverse range of Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and nomadic communities. This year’s theme ‘what does family mean to you’ focusses on the importance of families, whatever form they take.
By sharing the stories and amplifying the voices of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people we can help to tackle prejudice and raise awareness about the past and present of the communities.
Our collection below showcases the diverse range of projects across the UK that we’ve supported to uncover, explore, and celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller heritage.
Get inspiration for your project
We want to support projects that make the stories of the UK’s four nations more inclusive of everyone’s heritage. Get inspired by the projects below and find out more about applying for our funding.
Projects
Crossings: An exploration of less visible maritime buildings and communities in Leith
Exploring the vibrant heritage of Leith through dance and film.
Projects
Conservation and display of the Centenary Banner of Downham Benevolent Society (1785 to 1913)
Preserving part of Lancashire’s heritage for the benefit of future generations.
Projects
Passing on hobbies within the South Asian community
This intergenerational project engaged migrant women in sharing the hobbies they had enjoyed back home in the sixties and seventies, ensuring these pastimes weren't lost forever.
Projects
The Sandi Hughes archive - Liverpool's LGBTQ+ diverse community heritage on film
This project made the work of black, feminist, gay filmmaker Sandi Hughes available online and in the Liverpool Record Office.
Projects
Young people explored and shared migration stories in Luton
Young people gained new skills while preserving and raising awareness of Pakistani/Kashmiri heritage in Luton.
Projects
Embracing Africa Project
This 12-month project collected objects and historical information that are important to people and the history of their country, ranging from objects on childbirth to marriage.
Projects
Manchester Link to West African textiles through ABC wax prints
The project will identify and record, interpret and explain the history of West African textiles designed and produced by ABC Wax in Manchester from 1900’s until the present day.
Projects
Capturing 1940s-1960s stories of Nigerian immigrants to Manchester
This project captured the unrecorded and less well-known experiences of the Nigerians who came to Manchester between 1940 and 1960.
![Panjab Connections Handmade gold jewellery with red and green gemstones displayed on an intricately carved stand](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/projects/panjab_connections_-_credit_kat_gollock.jpg.webp?itok=Aw9-QowA)
Projects
Panjab Connections
National Museums Scotland worked with the Glasgow Gurdwara and Sikh Sanjog to explore Sikh heritage through the history of the boy Maharaja.
![Journey to Justice: Footsteps to Freedom in the North East Journey to Justice: Footsteps to Freedom in the North East](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/destination_tyneside.jpg.webp?itok=M_HD61hj)
Projects
Journey to Justice: Footsteps to Freedom in the North East
Young people have uncovered the history behind social justice in Tyneside.
Projects
History of Chinese People in Reading
The history of Chinese migrants in Reading, so far undocumented, is now available to all thanks to a heritage project spanning multiple generations.
Projects
Discovering Black heritage in Toxteth, Liverpool
The L8 Untold Project will engage volunteers in uncovering and recording hidden histories of Britain’s oldest Black community.