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Investing in heritage of diverse ethnic communities

Investing in heritage of diverse ethnic communities

A black adult and several children look at a display on slavery in a museum
London, Sugar and Slavery gallery at the Museum of London. Photo: Museum of London.
Heritage belongs to us all - which is why we want to help tell everyone's stories.

At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we support all sorts of projects which explore and celebrate the heritage of diverse ethnic communities.

We want to help the sector itself to better reflect the UK population. That's why we make it mandatory that all of the projects we fund ensure a wider range of people are involved in heritage.

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.

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.

People on the streets celebrating Hull Pride

News

Putting diversity and inclusion at the heart of decision-making

The North Committee has appointed three impressive new committee members who offer strong regional awareness and expertise both in the heritage sector and in promoting diversity and inclusion. “We want our decision-making to be as diverse and inclusive as the communities we work with.” David Renwick
Professor Uzo Iwobi stood outside

Stories

Celebrating a heritage hero, Uzo Iwobi OBE

Page last updated: 13 July 2022 Swansea resident Uzo Iwobi has provided an outstanding contribution to heritage in her 30 years living in Wales. Among her many achievements, Uzo founded two charities: Race Council Cymru and the African Community Centre. She is the Specialists Advisor for Equality to
Chantelle Lindsay outdoors enjoying nature
Exploring Trinidad and Tobago's natural heritage at Fort George, Port of Spain.

Blogs

Breaking down barriers to nature for young Black people

Throughout my life, telling people my aspirations to have a career in wildlife conservation has often been met with surprise and disbelief.
Sadia Habib and Stephen Welsh
Dr Habib and Stephen Welsh with project participant, Urussa

Blogs

South Asian heritage: truth-telling and transformation

Dr Sadia Habib and Stephen Welsh take a look at how more UK museums are considering ways of deepening engagement with South Asian communities and heritage.