JOIN the AHCN Tribe

As a dynamic membership organisation, AHCN is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and developing African heritage across the Midlands, the wider UK, and beyond. We offer 3 types of membership currently for individuals, organisations and partners who wish to be involved with promoting, preserving and developing African heritage across the Midlands and wider UK.

Memberships

  • Individual Member

    For individuals who have an affiliation or interest in African heritage and want to be updated with events, activities, workshops and career opportunities in heritage.

    Become a Member

  • Organisation Member

    Being an organisation member allows you to list your business/organisation if you’re seeking to strengthen your capacity and capability, while enhancing your heritage offer into economically viable opportunities that ensure long-term sustainability of your organisation.

    Become a Member

  • Partner Member

    This membership supports heritage practitioners and organisations seeking to collaborate on diverse projects and programmes, while building connections that open up mutually beneficial funding opportunities.

    Become a Member

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • African heritage refers to the collective cultural, historical, and social legacies of the African continent, encompassing traditions, languages, art, spirituality, and lived experiences passed down through generations.

    It reflects the diversity of Africa’s 54 nations, thousands of ethnic groups, and over 2,000 languages, while also acknowledging shared values of community, resilience, and creativity.

    African heritage includes tangible elements such as monuments, artefacts, and landscapes, as well as intangible aspects like oral histories, music, dance, and belief systems.

    It is a source of identity and pride, shaping both continental and global narratives, and sustaining diasporic connections worldwide.

  • Promotion of African heritage is needed in the UK because it enriches national culture, strengthens identity for African-descended communities, and ensures Britain’s history is told in full, reflecting centuries of African presence and contribution. 

    It also fosters inclusion, mutual understanding, and economic opportunities through heritage-led projects.

  • In simple, everyday language, “economically viable” means something can make enough money or save enough resources to keep going without running out of funds.

  • African heritage is essential in the UK as it ensures that African contributions are fully recognised.

    For African communities, it fosters pride, belonging, resilience, and intergenerational learning, while creating economic opportunities through heritage-led enterprises.

    For wider UK society, it broadens historical understanding, challenges stereotypes, and enhances cultural life through festivals, art, and storytelling.

    Heritage initiatives also drive innovation in creative industries, support regeneration, and promote social cohesion.

    By embedding African heritage into mainstream narratives, the UK builds inclusivity, celebrates diversity, and unlocks sustainable opportunities for all communities.

  • 1. Collaboration & Networking

    • Access to a national network of heritage practitioners and organisations.

    • Opportunities to co‑design and deliver joint projects or programmes.

    • Peer learning circles and mentoring from experienced leaders.

     

    2. Funding & Sustainability

    • Shared intelligence on funding calls, grants, and investment opportunities.

    • Partnership bids for larger, multi‑organisation projects.

    • Match‑funding and in‑kind contribution strategies to strengthen applications.

     

    3. Capacity Building

    • Training workshops on governance, fundraising, and project management.

    • Skills development in digital heritage, evaluation, and audience engagement.

    • Toolkits and templates for impact reporting and funder communications.

     

    4. Visibility & Advocacy

    • Collective representation to policymakers and funders.

    • Showcasing members’ work through exhibitions, festivals, and online platforms.

    • Joint campaigns to highlight African heritage contributions in the UK.

     

    5. Economic & Creative Growth

    • Support to turn heritage offers into viable enterprises (e.g., cultural tourism, creative industries).

    • Access to business development resources and entrepreneurship events.

    • Opportunities to pilot innovative heritage‑led products and services.

  • Provide some information below, and we’ll be in touch.

Membership forM