Interpretation of cultural heritage

Lotterywest values our State's unique heritage. That’s why we support organisations that not only cherish the past but have an eye on the future.

Application Form

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When to apply

There are annual closing dates for Interpretation of cultural heritage grant applications.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: 12 May 2012
CLOSING DATE: 6 July 2012

What can we support?

Grants are provided to explain and help us to understand our past.

“Interpretation is a means of communicating ideas and feelings, which help people to understand more about themselves and their environment.” (Interpretation Australia Association)

Examples of what our grants have helped include:

• Creation and installation of signage, for example at a heritage site or trail
• Publications, including books, websites and DVD’s which explain the significance of heritage related objects and places
• Development of public education programs to engage people in heritage, such as historical exhibitions
• Preparation of a plan to guide future interpretation projects
• Assessing the significance of heritage objects, such as those in a local museum, to determine priorities for interpretation

You may wish to consider staging projects over more than one year, applying for planning prior to applying for implementation of recommended interpretive elements. Separate applications can be made for discrete parts of a project in different years.

Interpretation plans are strongly encouraged. Where an interpretation plan will not be prepared, please show how your project relates to your organisation’s strategic plan, community cultural plan or other broader planning activity.

What we look for:

• Community benefit and significance
• Community access and support
• Skills and capability to carry out the project
• Planning and project management (before, during and after)
• Adherence with conservation practices and standards
• Consultation with stakeholders

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Documents we need:

• A completed Lotterywest Grant Application Form
• Your latest Annual Report if you have one, or AGM minutes if you don’t and the most recent audited financial statements
• A copy of your Constitution
• Two written quotes for items over $3,000; a written estimate, advertised price, or one written quote for items under $3,000 (low value, miscellaneous items can be grouped together to $1,000)
• A project plan and budget
• An interpretation plan (which may include a site plan, floor plans, furniture designs, and how conservation and environmental issues will be addressed)

• Details of a collection management policy (where relevant)

• A consultant’s brief (if your application includes the preparation of an interpretation plan)

If your group is unincorporated, there are other things we need from you. Please refer to what we need.

Further resources

Engaging others Resource Kit
Managing assets Resource Kit
Planning Resource Kit
FAQ’s and handy hints

External publications
Sharing Our Stories-Guidelines for Heritage Interpretation (2007)
Guidelines prepared by the National Trust of Australia (WA) and Museums Australia (WA) may help you plan your project.  A hard copy can be requested from Museums Australia (WA) on 08 9427 2770.

Significance 2.0: a guide to assessing the significance of collections
Builds on the solid foundation laid by the first edition of Significance (2001) in defining an adaptable method for determining significance across all collections in Australia. The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is the custodian and copyright holder of Significance 2.0.

Museums Australia (WA) website
Lotterywest is assisted by Museums Australia (WA) in the administration of its Interpretation of cultural heritage grants. More information may be obtained from their website.