Cultures and memories
Since 1994 we have awarded £590million to more than 27,600 community and cultural heritage projects across the UK.
What do we support?
We fund projects which help to explore, save and celebrate the traditions, customs, skills and knowledge of different communities.
This cultural heritage is sometimes referred to as intangible or living heritage. This is because it is constantly changing and kept alive when practiced or performed.
We also fund projects which document and share people’s memories. This often involves capturing oral histories and ensuring they are accessible now and in the future.
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- research and share oral traditions, such as storytelling or local dialects
- train others in traditional skills and crafts, from dry stone walling and blacksmithing to basket weaving and textile making
- research the origins of culture, such as music, theatre or dance, and create performances influenced by past styles
- share the history and fun of celebrations, festivals or rituals with new audiences, from games and cooking to carnivals and fayres
- capture accounts of traditional knowledge or pass it on, such as woodland management or home remedies
- record the stories of ordinary people through oral histories, for example about growing up, migration or work
- retell people’s memories about a place or event, such as a long-stay hospital, the miners' strikes or the punk movement
How to get funding
If you have an idea for a project, we would love to hear from you.
Projects
Bringing to life Roma stories in Newport, South Wales
‘The Roma of Newport, South Wales’ project will record and share the personal stories, culture and heritage of the area’s Roma community.
News
Smaller grants making a big difference for Scottish communities
Projects
The World Reimagined: Journey of Discovery
A vibrant art education project aiming to transform understanding of the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and its significant global impact.
News
Union Chapel to create 200-year archive including greatest music moments
Stories
A brave new tribute to a famous Victorian explorer
News
New showcase for 1,000 years of UK sculpture
Projects
Liverpool Football Club's RED archive caravan tour
Over six years, a fan-led community organisation have created an extensive and evocative collection of Liverpool Football Club fans’ personal photos and stories.
News
We welcome Bradford as City of Culture 2025
News
Corby – a town with a centuries-old royal tradition
News
Out of this world: Jodrell Bank's First Light Pavilion set to open
News
Cornwall’s historic monuments protected thanks to funding partnership
Projects
London Borough of Newham
Newham Heritage Month is an annual heritage festival that celebrates the borough’s local heritage, led by the community for the community.