The Heritage Alliance (THA) is calling for greater recognition and funding to support the historic places and objects that underpin creative and cultural activities, challenging the stereotype of heritage as ‘a decorative incidental backdrop to contemporary creative work’.
Arts Professional writes:
A lack of communication, collaboration and ‘explicit recognition’ of the importance of heritage to the creative industries’ success is limiting the sector’s potential, new research suggests.
The report from the Heritage Alliance advocates for greater funding for skills training in heritage professions, and seeks to draw a link between the ‘undisputed’ economic success of the creative industries and the ‘essential role’ heritage plays in that success: ‘we are great custodians who don’t constantly ask for ever increasing subsidies.’
‘Creative projects help heritage staff learn new skills and build capacity for partnerships, with creative practitioners serving as foundation partners for commercial projects and funding bids. Harnessed well, this match could greatly benefit both industries into the future.’
Heritage Alliance Chair Peter Ainsworth said there is a lack of recognition of those industries’ relationship with ‘places associated with the idea of heritage’, from historic shooting locations for film and television, to music venues and arts centres taking up residence in listed buildings, or video games that draw ‘inspiration from heritage and history’.
‘Historic places or objects are not just a decorative incidental backdrop to contemporary creative work; in each case they are integral to the whole enterprise.’…
For background see the IHBC NewsBlog
