Heritage Lottery Fund

An invaluable guide to producing interpretation is now available from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The document, ‘Thinking About Interpretation’, is one of a number of guidance documents which can be obtained from HLF as part of the supporting materials for their third Strategic Plan period. It has been produced specifically to support their Learning aim – ‘to help people learn about their own and other people’s heritage’ – and aims to help grant applicants provide information about their heritage and interpret it for people. We were delighted to have been chosen by the HLF to undertake this prestigious contract.

The guide encourages applicants to think about all aspects of the subject, from the meaning of the word to the practical details of implementation. In addition to defining the essentials for good quality interpretation such as providing equal access and addressing audience needs when planning content, subjects covered include working with consultants, training staff and evaluation. Helpful tips on indicative costs for interpretive media are given and an appendix examines the pros, cons and durability of everything from panels to multimedia.

We have also been asked to compile four case studies of a variety of projects that use different interpretive methods to achieve their objectives. These, along with the guidance document, will be available on the HLF website (www.hlf.org.uk) to further help applicants plan interpretation.