From telling the stories of young LGBTQ+ people in Staffordshire to exploring community histories in Leicester, Historic England has announced new funding for five creative youth-led projects in the Midlands. Twenty-one projects are being supported across England.
The History in the Making programme empowers under-represented young people to explore and celebrate their local hidden histories, finding original ways to commemorate them.
The programme aims to improve young people’s wellbeing, from increasing connection to and pride in their local place, to gaining skills and social confidence.
After taking part in previous History in the Making projects (in 2023/24), young people felt more confident, developed new skills and learned something new about their local area. They also met new people and 93% felt motivated to take part in more activities in their local community*.
Following an open call out in July, Historic England received nearly 100 applications for the scheme and was guided in the decision-making process by Historic England’s Young Advisers. Twenty-one grants of up to £15k, a total of £261k, will fund projects over the 18 months starting in January 2025.
These projects will provide new opportunities for young people to discover, engage and connect with their local stories and ensure the history that matters to them is remembered. Using different artforms, from murals and art works to immersive walking trails and theatre productions, young people will decide who and what to celebrate and how best to do it.
