National Archives to distribute £1m in grants for community research projects across UK cultural institutions, with plans to launch an online knowledge platform and training resources
The National Archives is planning a new ‘hub’ and grant schemes to support a range of community-led research projects in galleries, libraries, archives and museums.
The upcoming ‘Spaces, Places and Belonging’ project will distribute £1m in Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funding to projects and people in the sector.
Three grant schemes will be available for cultural heritage organisations of any size to apply to.
Individuals working in the cultural sector will be able to apply for up to £1,000 bursaries to help them build the skills needed to set up outreach and research projects.
Seed Corn Grants of up to £3,000 will be available to support early-stage or pilot projects to engage communities with research.
Larger grants of up to £30,000 will be awarded for collaborative projects “of significance to local people”, where community groups are working hand-in-hand with their cultural organisations.
At least £550,000 in funding will be distributed over three years.
The opening date for grant applications will be announced later in the spring.
New online platform
The National Archives said the rest of the grant will be used to create bespoke training, events and resources, and an online knowledge platform which can be accessed by archivists, gallery and museum professionals seeking resources on community engagement.
Dr Allan Sudlow, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at the AHRC, said the Community Research Hub “will provide an opportunity for diverse communities to actively engage with collections and heritage-based research, generate new knowledge, and develop new skills for those in partner heritage organisations as well as the community groups.
“It will help communities to draw on their own expertise to co-produce new research with galleries, libraries, archives and museums, and create grass-roots networks for longer-term collaborations across the sector.”
The National Archives has partnered with Leeds Museums & Galleries, the National Library of Wales/Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru and the Community Archives & Heritage Group to deliver the project, each of whom will deliver specific community-facing programmes in their sectors and regions.
