The Heritage Open Days National Partnership
Since 1 November 2011, Heritage Open Days operates under the management of the Heritage Open Days National Partnership. The Partnership brings together the nation’s largest charity in the form of the National Trust, the most extensive network of local community based heritage organisations through Civic Voice and expertise from the leading coalition of national voluntary heritage organisations in The Heritage Alliance. Together with the Heritage Open Days Advisory Group and the Futures Group, they are working to make Heritage Open Days even better and to create a sustainable future for England’s most popular grassroots cultural event.
English Heritage continues to provide grant aid until March 2015 whilst the Partnership develops both a long-term future strategy and funding.
Dame Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust, said: "The National Trust is delighted to be part of the new Heritage Open Days National Partnership. Heritage Open Days is the biggest event in the heritage calendar, and one that we have long been proud to be associated with as such a strong expression of local pride of place. We look forward to contributing to its continuing success, as well as to determining a sustainable future for the event."
Loyd Grossman OBE, Chairman of The Heritage Alliance, said: "We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Civic Voice and the National Trust as one of the three charities taking Heritage Open Days forward to a strong, sustainable future. Run by volunteers for the benefit of their local communities, it’s is the largest voluntary cultural event in England; with over a million visits last year and over 40,000 volunteers giving up their time to share their passion and knowledge with their neighbours. English Heritage proved a good friend to the sector when it rescued the event in 2009, and we’re grateful for its continued support in making sure the transition is smooth. We all know how extraordinarily popular our heritage is with people up and down the country, and Heritage Open Days gives us all an opportunity to showcase that heritage and the outstanding voluntary effort and commitment that makes it available to all."
Tony Burton, Director of Civic Voice, said: "Heritage Open Days was initiated by the civic movement and we are excited to be part of its future. Over the years millions of people have enjoyed discovering new places brought to life for them by thousands of dedicated volunteers. We intend to build on this outstanding success so that Heritage Open Days goes from strength to strength."
Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage, said: "English Heritage is committed to the future of Heritage Open Days, a flourishing programme that celebrates our heritage and local communities. We look forward to working with the National Trust, The Heritage Alliance and Civic Voice who together provide the experience, resources and passion to carry Heritage Open Days through."
