About the Queer Heritage and Collections Network
Historic Royal Places is a founding partner of the Queer Heritage and Collections Network (QHCN), a UK-wide Subject Specialist Network. Launched in 2020, the QHCN provides training, networking and peer support to people working with LGBTIQA+ collections and histories and helps galleries, libraries, archives and museums to bring queer histories and themes to the fore in their public programming.
Project objectives
In 2023, the QHCN was awarded funding through the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants, marking a step change in the scale and ambition of the Network. Over the next three years, HRP will work closely with the Steering Group partners to deliver three main areas of activity:
1. Build capacity and confidence in the use of wide-ranging collections to research, interpret and engage people in LGBTIQA+ histories and culture, through annual symposia, and freely available online skills development programmes and resources;
2. Co-design, co-fund and co-deliver with Network members at least six new creative projects that benefit the widest possible audiences, address key priorities identified by the Network and that exemplify leading edge LGBTIQA+ collections engagement practice;
3. Build a cohort of national leaders: through mentorship, targeted skills development, access to leading edge international research, practice and leadership.
Network partners
The five founding partners of the QHCN are Historic England, English Heritage, the National Trust, the University of Leicester, and Historic Royal Palaces. The Network Steering Group includes representatives from the founding partners and individuals with specialist expertise.
Find out more on the Queer Collections Network Website.
Visit the QHCN website
Funders
