Elevate Community Productions CIC Awarded Grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to Share Untold Stories from London’s Queer Global Majority & Migrants

Elevate Community Productions CIC (ECP) is proud to announce a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the groundbreaking project, From Shadows to Spotlight: London’s Hidden Queer Histories. This initiative will bring to life the untold stories of queer, trans, and intersex people from the global majority and migrant communities, spanning from the 1960s to the present day, and transform inclusion, access, and participation in the cultural sector. Preserving a Vital Cultural Heritage The heritage of London’s QTIPOC communities is rich and multifaceted, but their stories have often been overlooked or lost over time. This project aims to preserve these narratives, focusing on the experiences of migration, identity, community-building, and cultural expression. From Black and Brown queer house parties to the evolving spaces of fashion, dance, and music, these stories form a crucial part of London's history that risks being forgotten as older generations pass away. Without this essential funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, these cultural memories would remain inaccessible, with many at risk of being lost forever. This project ensures that the legacies of these vibrant communities are documented and shared with future generations. Empowering Communities through Storytelling The National Lottery-funded project will support a variety of activities, including storytelling workshops, oral history interviews, and media production training. Over 100 interviews will be conducted with QTIPOC individuals, capturing their personal stories. The project will culminate in a high-profile public exhibition at Chiswick House & Gardens and a digital archive hosted at the renowned Bishopsgate Institute, ensuring these stories remain accessible long-term. Key project activities include: Queer Heritage Lab: a development programme of workshops and co-creation designed for creatives interested in intersectional and intergenerational storytelling, developing skills in digital media production, exhibition curation, and archiving. Oral Histories: Capturing stories from over 100 QTIPOC individuals, preserving their experiences for future generations. Documentary & Digital Outputs: Production of a documentary, podcasts, and visual content for online sharing and community screenings. Public Exhibition: A major exhibition at Chiswick House & Gardens in 2026, showcasing the collected stories, lab cohort’s work and cultural artefacts. This project will build pride, strengthen a sense of belonging, and create opportunities for diverse communities to reflect on their histories while engaging new audiences. It aligns with the Heritage Fund's commitment to saving heritage, promoting inclusion, and building organisational sustainability. Quotes Blaise Singh, managing director of Elevate Community Productions, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we will be able to document and share the rich cultural heritage of London’s QTIPOC communities. This project will break down socio-economic barriers that have often prevented marginalised communities from engaging with their heritage, creating safe, inclusive spaces where diverse stories can thrive.” Partnerships ECP will collaborate with the Bishopsgate Institute, C-Change West London, Chiswick House & Gardens, Cranford Community College, Queer Heritage and Collections Network, The Common Press and The Naz Project for valuable expertise, resources, and community connections, enhancing outreach, inclusivity, and overall impact. About Elevate Community Productions CIC (ECP) Elevate Community Productions CIC (ECP) is a London-based non-profit organisation dedicated to breaking socio-economic barriers and creating opportunities for diverse communities through arts, media, and heritage projects. ECP empowers individuals from marginalised backgrounds to thrive creatively and economically by offering inclusive, skill-building platforms. Through innovative projects, ECP brings underrepresented voices to the forefront, ensuring their stories are shared and celebrated in the broader cultural landscape.