Bridging Heritage and Higher Education

On 23rd October 2024, Robyn Swannack (100 Year Heritage of Walsall Deaf Community Project Officer) had the privilege of attending the “Heritage and Higher Education: Mutually Beneficial Strategies for Collaboration” conference at the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus. The event, organised by the University’s Culture and Community Engagement team, aimed to explore and enhance the synergies between heritage sectors and higher education institutions. 

The conference brought together a diverse group of professionals, academics and community leaders. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as participants gathered to discuss collaborative strategies that could enrich both heritage and academic pursuits. 

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of new resources designed to support partnerships between heritage organisations and educational institutions. These tools promise to facilitate more effective collaboration, ensuring that heritage initiatives benefit from academic research or support while providing students with invaluable real-world experience. 

Robyn extends her gratitude to the University of Bedfordshire and the Culture and Community Engagement team for hosting such a pivotal event. The insights gained and connections made have been instrumental for shaping our approach to integrating heritage and higher education in our ongoing project! 

If you’d like to get involved or stay updated on the project’s progress, keep an eye out for updates or email Robyn at robyn@zebra-access.com. 

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About Zebra Access

Zebra Access is a truly Deaf-led charity recognised by the Deaf community as dedicated to developing opportunities for Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing people to have better chances in life and enjoy equal participation and access without communication barriers, providing access to a range of activities enabling Deaf people to have self-belief and confidence to achieve their aspirations by breaking down perceived barriers. Zebra Access aims to promote and advocate healthier lifestyles by raising and improving awareness of available activities and other health choices. We have pioneered effective ways of working with Deaf people providing fully accessible services to provide Deaf customers with holistic and empathetic support via our experts-through-experience members of staff and volunteers.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund: 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.