Investing in heritage of diverse ethnic communities
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 support all communities to explore and share their heritage, enriching people’s lives and increasing the diversity of heritage workforces, leadership and audiences. 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.
Black History Month
During Black History Month we’re showcasing some of the remarkable projects we’ve funded that get people involved in learning and sharing black heritage. Browse our collection of black heritage projects and black voices below.
Get inspiration for your project
Explore the projects below and find out more about applying for our funding.
Projects
Sharing the stories of the RAF’s black servicemen and women
A community-led project is combining digital and in-person strategies for sharing the experiences of British African and Caribbean RAF veterans in the West Midlands.
Stories
The extraordinary 18th-century women inspiring young people to embrace heritage
Projects
Sharing stories of Black identity and belonging in the South West
We’re supporting the Black South West Network to establish the UnMuseum – a community-led project that reimagines how Black cultural heritage is defined, preserved and shared.
Projects
The Big Up! Podcasts sharing social narratives that reflect diversity
The Big House Theatre Company is empowering young people to explore and tell the stories of ethnic minority people who have made a lasting impact on the UK.
Stories
Shining a light on Arthur Wharton: the first black professional footballer
Blogs
Rebel Curators: reclaiming narratives of slavery at Bristol’s M-Shed
Stories
Bringing Henrietta Lacks’ story to life in Bristol
Stories
Cocorico! Exploring the heritage in our homes
News
Six projects celebrating the legacy of the Windrush generation
Projects
Sickle Cell Stories - Then and Now: Plasma of Hope
The Sickle Cell Stories project is capturing and sharing stories of sickle cell disease in the west midlands, paving the way for positive change.
Projects
Putting Ourselves in the Picture – preserving Scotland’s migration history
Migrant Voice is empowering migrants in Scotland to tell their stories, ensuring they are recorded, recognised, and shared with the wider community and for future generations.
Projects
Culture Hubs: Record Stores, Black Music and the Windrush Generation
2Funky Arts are documenting the role of independent record stores of black origin as cultural hubs, focusing on black, African and Caribbean experiences from the 1950s to the present day.