|
Since 1994 Heritage Lottery funding has fuelled a radical transformation of the UK’s heritage. In awarding over £3 billion in grants we have overseen an eleven-year period of substantial investment unparalleled since the 19th century. Across the UK the effect of decades of neglect has been reversed and we have tackled long-term problems with ground-breaking projects that would never have been possible before. Our funding has:
transformed neglected historic parks and tired museums;
put the historic environment at the heart of regeneration;
provided a lifeline for our maritime and industrial heritage;
revitalised landscapes and helped to save endangered species;
opened up heritage for many more people to enjoy.
At the same time we have developed a distinctive and progressive approach, driven by the nature of our funding from lottery players. As the only UK-wide specialist covering the whole heritage sector, we have put people at its heart, urging change towards a more inclusive and democratic vision. Our funding has created opportunities for many people who had not done so before to explore and enjoy our heritage. And we have opened a national debate about the role of heritage and identity in a vibrant, modern country.
‘It is important that children and young people know about their heritage,
that they know where they come from, so that they can educate the next generation. HLF is helping in this process.’
Chris Griffin, Member of the Youth Parliament, Dorset
As a lottery distributor we have built up an expertise and an excellent record of responsible investment. The scale of our funding means that we have been able to tackle the long-standing problems of some national icons such as Hadrian’s Wall; and our UK-wide focus has made it possible to fund major projects in all four countries.
The breadth of our remit means we take an integrated view, cutting across the traditional, but artificial, boundaries between museums and parks, buildings and wildlife, landscapes and collections, creating a richer experience for people. Our pioneering approach to conservation management planning means that the projects we fund take a broad view of what is valuable and why.
We are committed to making our funding widely accessible. Our advice and knowledge are at the service of all our applicants, whether they are a small local community group, a wildlife trust or an internationally important museum. So far, every local authority area in the country has received at least one award from us. In the last three years almost half of our funding has gone to community and voluntary-sector organisations.
We have encouraged innovation and are proud to have been a major funder for many award-winning projects. Demanding high standards of management has improved the quality of care and maintenance. And by ensuring that our funding makes heritage relevant and welcoming to all sections of the community we have fostered sustainability.
|
