The SAHGB is thrilled to announce Dawn Carr as the inaugural recipient of the Society’s Masters’ Bursary scheme. Dawn will use the £20,000 bursary to attend the Masters in Conservation of the Historic Environment course at Birmingham City University. As part of the Society’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion this scholarship scheme aims to address the significant, often structural, barriers to postgraduate study, in particular in disciplines like architectural history, and is intended to support candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue post-graduate studies.
Dawn currently works as a Heritage Officer for Legacy West Midlands, and has supported the development of a wide range of tours, walking talks and outreach workshops about Soho and the Lunar Society in Handsworth. Throughout her post-graduate studies she plans to work with the Black Heritage Walks Network, Birmingham City University and Birmingham Heritage Strategy Group to preserve the ‘Jamaican Front Room’ within a conservation hub, which would serve as a base for intergenerational activities and dementia reminiscence support for local elders from every background. Upon receipt of the award Dawn said:
"I’m delighted to be chosen for this prestigious sponsorship. It’s a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and expand the narrative around local assets. The value of diversity in our communities is often under-represented and under-valued. The legacy of this conservation study will provide a new educational hub and intergenerational activity in a very deprived area of Birmingham that has limited access to heritage assets. An inclusive society that embraces cultural diversity and its value will enable a fairer cultural environment for all communities to thrive."
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