Museums, Galeries, Archives and Heritage

As well as having a central place in our cultural profile, Britain's heritage is a powerful economic driver. Visit Britain finds heritage is the UK's third largest export industry and a direct employer of 1.36 million people, rising to 2.6 million when the indirect impact of tourism is taken into account.

Half of all jobs created by heritage tourism are in local businesses. Investment in the local historic environment supports the economic performance of cities, towns and villages by improving their appeal as destination, attracting new businesses and residents, encouraging people to spend more locally and enhancing overall perceptions

Museums, galleries, libraries and archives are among the country's most accessible cultural institutions and much of our historic environment is freely enjoyed although privately owned. Sustaining both the assets and access for public benefit is now a huge challenge.

This strand of the Cultural and Creative Industries Fellowship programme encompasses institutions such as the Tate, British Museum, British Library and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). It also brings in through The Heritage Alliance, the national non-government organisations that own, manage and care for the vast majority of England's heritage.

Example Programmes

Tate (London)

British Museum (London and regional)

• Meet key individuals from the executive board and the communications, finance and development teams
• Hands-on experience at an exhibition and at public events
• Learn more about community events and educational programmes
• Meet curatorial staff and visit conservation and science departments
• More information

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (London and regional)

• Discuss key policy issues that impact on an architect’s work such as climate change and housing
• Meet senior individuals from RIBA and discuss education and cultural outreach work with RIBA staff
• More information

Architectural practices (regional and constituency)

• Visit a large, multidisciplinary practice
• Meet clients and learn about the different areas of work
• Take part in site visits and gain an insight into the workings of large architectural projects
• Visit a smaller local practice and learn about the differences between large and small practices and the challenges they face

Regional placements (regional / constituency)

• Placements with regional cultural organisations and in local authorities
• Work with management, conservation, education and learning teams of institutions at a regional and constituency level.

The Heritage Alliance

• Work with decision-makers in funding bodies, regeneration and conservation projects
• Work with key organisations involved in asset transfer and promoting heritage tourism
• Site visits to see Building Preservation Trusts and other models in action
• Attend seminars on for example energy solutions and volunteer management
  

For Further Information

Dominic Gates
Fellowship Manager