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Black Environment Network (BEN) and Historic Houses Association (HHA)
Partnership Project
To read BBC Newsonline article
click here
HHA and BEN - a unique organisation working for ethnic participation within the built and natural environment - have worked together throughout 2003 to link together historic houses and their local ethnic communities. In a series of pilot schemes, BEN and the HHA have partnered houses and their nearby black and minority ethnic communities in order to encourage wider enjoyment and understanding of these special places, many of which are not equally accessible to all communities in Britain. The project has:
identified new audiences for the historic environment by encouraging ethnic communities to become more involved with their nearby historic places;
opened up understanding of what historic houses, gardens, collections and estates have to offer and to gain;
laid down the basis for active involvement and participation of ethnic communities in historic places.
Over the Summer 2003, eight houses – 3 in Scotland, 2 in Wales and 3 in England - have explored opportunities for community involvement and are facilitating visits and events. As part of the project, the HHA and BEN have organised a number of workshops around the country to discuss the issues surrounding ethnic community involvement and participation with historic places.
The project has challenged perceptions and strengthened understanding on both sides and helped to identify and remove barriers – either real or perceived – to visiting historic places. A key consideration was how places could be presented in culturally relevant ways and participants have been involved in managing and designing new activities.
At its heart, this is simply about linking people and places. While some of the houses involved may be regarded as iconic symbols of Britain's heritage, they are also local resources for spiritual refreshment, learning and discovery, physical recreation, a place to meet friends, bring communities together and a place to have fun. It is hoped that meaningful and long-lasting links will be forged between the houses and communities.
All the houses have completed their visits. BEN is currently assessing the visits and will report by the end of the year. The verbal reports received so far have indicated a very positive response from both organisations and owners and managers. Participants said they have experienced enjoyable, educational and stimulating visits which opened up new experiences. Interesting anecdotes include owners funding the transport for follow-up visits and groups funding themselves to visit other participating houses after successful visits.
The HHA will be looking to the Heritage Lottery Fund to help continue and broaden the project next year.
VISITS
Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill, Dumfries
7th August : Elders from the Edinburgh Chinese Elderly Support Association. Second visit planned.
Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peebleshire,
10th August: Family members of the Scottish Filipino Association of Edinburgh
Kelburn Castle and Country Park, Fairlie, Ayrshire
31st August: Women and children from the Muslim Women's Resource Centre (MWRC) of Glasgow
Arley Hall, Northwich, Cheshire
14th July: Women from the Chinese Women's Society (Wai Yin), Manchester,
14th September: Asian and Afro-Caribbean members of the Manchester Black Health Forum
Margam Park, Port Talbot, Glamorgan
7th May: Women and children from the Minority Ethnic Women's Network
Tredegar House & Park, Newport,
17 September: Women and children from the Minority Ethnic Women's Network
Tissington Hall, Ashbourne, Derbyshire
15 September: Women and their husbands from the Chinese Women's Soceity (Wai Yin)
20th October: Bengali, Bangladeshi and Pakistani students from City College in Birmingham
Syon Park, Brentford, Middlesex
29th October: Family members of the Junction Community Pentecostal Church, Clapham
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