New research by Ecclesiastical [Alliance sponsor] suggests that schools have a vital role to play in engaging young people in heritage. More than a third of 18-30 year olds never visit galleries, almost a quarter never visit theatres, and just under one in five never visit museums. Educational trips have the power to inspire a lifelong passion for heritage. 60% of those who went to museums as children visit once a year as adults, and 50% of those who visited galleries as children now visit at least once a year as adults.
Faith Kitchen, heritage director at Ecclesiastical has remarked: “As a leading insurer of heritage buildings we’re passionate about history and culture in the UK. Schools have a vital role in engaging young people in heritage and our research highlights that school trips can make a huge difference in inspiring the next generation.”
Lizzie Glithero-West, Chief Executive at The Heritage Alliance added: “These findings emphasise the importance of introducing children to culture from the start; an organisation that makes families and school parties welcome is investing in the future audience for our historic environment in a tangible way. Ecclesiastical’s research also found over 50% of respondents said that a digital experience inspired them to want to visit in person, and over a third said a good online presence would encourage them to share their experiences of heritage organisations on social media. We have future ambassadors for the sector waiting to be harnessed…”
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