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Investing in heritage of diverse ethnic communities

Investing in heritage of diverse ethnic communities

A group of people create artwork at a table covered in flowers
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 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.

Get inspiration for your project

Explore the projects below and find out more about applying for our funding.

A seated audience turning to listen to an audience member holding a microphone
The project brought people together to celebrate and reflect on the enduring impact of the Nello James Centre. Credit: The Miren Collective.

Projects

Case study: reconnecting generations through Black community heritage

Learn how Rekindling Nello James reunited a community, inspired young people and developed an inclusive approach to running an intergenerational heritage project.

A top down view of several people's hands sewing on a large piece of patterned fabric covered in embroidery hoops
Crafting together encouraged participants to share stories and connect with their heritage.

Projects

Preserving Afro-Caribbean heritage through craft

Taking inspiration from an iconic carpet, Crafting Our Homes brought people together to share memories and explore African and Caribbean craft traditions.

A person speaks into a microphone
The project is helping the community share stories that often go unheard. Credit: Connect: North Korea.

Stories

North Korean escapees preserve heritage through storytelling

This community-led project is recording personal experiences of everyday life, survival and escape as well as customs and traditions carried across borders.
Paula Ogun Hector stands beside a woven tapestry made up of portraits of Black Britons from the Second World War
Paula Ogun Hector, Founder of Tapestry of Black Britons with a tapestry inspired by the Second World War. Credit: Sharron Wallace.

Projects

The Tapestry of Black Britons weaving histories together

Inspired by both the Bayeux Tapestry and African and Caribbean textile traditions, this project celebrates nearly 2,000 years of Black British lives.

Two people looking at a display at the Sound Waves exhibition launch.
Two people looking at a display at the Sound Waves exhibition launch. Credit: Sylvie Belbouab.

Projects

Celebrating Newham's music legacy

Sound Waves: Music in Newham is exploring 60 years of rich and diverse music heritage across the borough and introducing it to a new generation.

A crowd of people looking at brightly coloured paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling
People of all ages came together to share memories and traditions. Credit: Konger CIC.

Projects

Connecting Manchester’s Hong Kong community

Traditional celebrations, games, crafts and food are bringing people closer to their Hong Kong heritage and one another.

people sit in front of a wall of sticky notes responding to the prompt 'What do museums mean to us?'
The project involved a cross-section of the public; many had not been to a museum in some time. Credit: Birmingham Museums Trust.

Projects

How the Citizens’ Jury shaped the future of Birmingham Museums Trust

28 local people from many different walks of life shared what they want from their museums, and how these institutions can better serve local communities.

An artist’s impression of an exhibition space in a former synagogue with a balcony and stained-glass windows
Once complete, the centre will host exhibitions and events on Jewish life in Wales. Credit: Neil Richardson, Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre.

Projects

Establishing Wales’ first Jewish cultural centre

An abandoned synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil will open its doors for the first time in two decades as a new hub for Welsh Jewish heritage.

The exterior of a red brick former synagogue at sunrise
ARK is bringing life back into the former synagogue. Credit: Nathan Jones.

Stories

A Margate building’s journey from synagogue to art centre

Jan Ryan, Director of ARK Cliftonville, shares how the cultural space, based in a former place of worship, is getting the balance right between preserving and celebrating the building's Jewish cultural heritage and adapting it for new uses.
Domingas Gusmão poses beside a table displaying a bouquet of flowers
The project is capturing the stories of women like Domingas Gusmão, who moved to Dungannon from East Timor. Credit: First Steps Women's Centre.

Projects

Honouring women’s migration stories

First Steps Women’s Centre is recording the experiences of migrant women who have made Mid Ulster their home.

If you query is regarding our application portal, please contact our support team.