At MEMORIST, we understand the challenges you face every day in preserving, restoring, digitising and enhancing your heritage collections. As directors of museums, libraries or archive curators, public or private heritage owners, your mission to safeguard our common heritage requires not only technical expertise, but also the ability to mobilise significant financial resources. Obtaining funding is a crucial step in this process. This article offers free advice on how to develop an effective communications strategy, either in-house or with your service providers, in order to draw attention to your projects and obtain the necessary financial support.

 

Drawing up a communications strategy

One of the first steps in attracting funding for heritage preservation is to develop a well-thought-out communications strategy. This strategy should start by identifying a specific audience and defining key messages that resonate with that audience. For example, if your project aims to preserve a rare medieval manuscript, your audience might include academics specialising in medieval history, bibliophiles, and patrons interested in the preservation of historical documents.

 

Public relations and media

Effective communication requires strong public relations. Presenting your heritage project to the media may seem intimidating, but it’s a powerful way of amplifying your message. To do this, it’s crucial to know your story in detail, target the right media, make your message impactful and follow up regularly. A well-placed article in a reputable newspaper or a mention on a radio programme can attract the attention of potential decision-makers and sponsors.

 

Opinion pieces and Letters to the Editor

For urgent or sensitive issues requiring rapid visibility, writing an opinion piece or a letter to the editor can be very effective. These formats allow you to express your ideas concisely and persuasively, while reaching a wide audience. Make sure you back up your arguments with solid evidence and encourage readers to take concrete action to support your cause.

 

Use of Social Media

Social media has become a key tool for modern communication in any country in the world. Creating a social media plan is essential for structuring your efforts and maximising their impact. Define clear objectives, identify your target audience, and list the resources available to support your work. It’s vital to choose the platforms best suited to your audience and not to spread yourself too thin.

 

Visual imagery and multimedia content

Visual imagery plays a significant role in communicating your project. Photos and videos help to draw attention and provide a visual context that can transform abstract information into tangible, engaging stories. Regularly share high-quality images and videos on your social platforms, accompanied by explanatory captions and alternative texts to ensure accessibility. These visual elements can go a long way to raising awareness and attracting financial support.

 

Organising community visits

Another effective method of generating community attention and support is to organise guided tours of your heritage collection. These tours allow members of the community, or even influential leaders, to get up close and personal with the treasures you preserve and to understand the importance of your work. A well-organised tour can generate a great deal of interest and mobilise local advocates for your cause. Don’t forget to post “stories”, live streams, or even simple photos on your social networks to show that you’re dynamic.

Mobilising the community and raising awareness for your heritage preservation project are essential elements in obtaining sponsorship. By using a variety of communications strategies, from public relations and social media to organising tours and creating compelling visual content, you can build financial and public support for your initiatives. At MEMORIST, we are dedicated to supporting you in your mission to preserve cultural heritage, providing you with our expertise and tailor-made solutions for the preservation, restoration, digitisation and enhancement of your heritage.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more personalised advice.