2007 provides a unique opportunity for all communities to find out more about the history of the slave trade and its abolition.
HLF would like to support projects that encourage all communities to explore these histories and legacies. Whilst you may have a project that specifically marks the 200th anniversary, we recognise that the themes and subjects explored in 2007 will resonate, as highlighted in Dr Mike Phillips' foreword, with projects and organisations that have an African and Caribbean heritage focus.
Projects which are led by African and Caribbean organisations will be invaluable in helping us to explore the legacy of the slave trade and its impact on our lives today and we want to encourage these groups and communities to share their interpretations and perspectives on our collective histories and heritage.
Ensuring that projects continue to stimulate dialogue and educate communities about the UK’s diverse cultural heritage is a key concern and priority for HLF; therefore we encourage you to develop activities which have a longer-term public engagement and provide opportunities and resources that people will continue to benefit from in the future.
HLF funding programmes place an emphasis on creating equitable partnerships in order to develop your projects. A strong and equal collaboration can achieve amazing results, and can often bring together the best range of resources and expertise that each partner provides.
We also want to encourage the building of new and successful partnerships in 2007 - not only with larger heritage organisations and collections, but also between smaller community-based and voluntary groups – so that together we can transform our understanding of the history of the slave trade and its legacy in African and Caribbean history and cultural heritage in Britain.