CVS Brent, which is committed to advancing the voluntary sector within the London Borough of Brent, is delighted to reveal the recipients of The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s We Wear Heritage project grants. These grants empower community organisations in Brent to preserve, engage with, and honour the traditional attire, costumes, and textiles that embody the rich cultural tapestry of the borough’s varied communities.

“We’re delighted to champion a mosaic of community heritage initiatives, each reflecting Brent’s rich cultural tapestry and celebrating our collective heritage so that it may flourish for the generations that follow,” says Marika Mason, CVS Brent.

Brent is proud of its diverse range of communities including Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Ghanaian, Iris, Indian, Iraqi, Nigerian, Pakistani, Polish, Romanian, Somali, Tamil, and many more. Each community has woven its unique thread into the borough’s cultural fabric and each project is dedicated to honouring these diverse histories and the remarkable people who continue to shape the spirit of Brent and demonstrate the strength found in our diversity.

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:  “We are thrilled to support CVS Brent in celebrating and preserving the traditional textiles of the borough’s diverse communities. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will strengthen the community by helping local people better understand their heritage and history and help others discover their own. We know that celebrating our heritage is a great way of bringing people together and creating a sense of pride of place, that in turn can deliver wider economic benefits.” 

From the vibrant evolution of Indigenous Brazilian fashion spanning 500 years to the intricate textiles and fabrics of Afghanistan, each project promises a unique glimpse into the world’s cultural wardrobe:

• Best of Brazil Community CIC presents 500 Years of Indigenous Brazilian Fashion: A Journey of Evolution and Cultural Expression, a vibrant showcase of Brazil’s indigenous fashion history.
• The Afghan Association of London explores Clothing, Textiles, and Fabrics from various Afghan regions, offering a rare peek into the country’s diverse sartorial landscape.
• Kojo Baiden unravels A Tapestry of Culture: The Threads of African Fabric, highlighting the continent’s rich textile traditions.
• The Brent Chinese Association blends fashion with cultural narratives with its aptly named Chinese Take Away Message.
• WISE reflects on Dominica’s history with Our Heritage, Our Legacy: The WOB Dwiyet, connecting past and future through traditional dress.
• Community Stars celebrates Goan Heritage and Culture by highlighting the coastal Indian state’s vibrant cultural attire.
• The Iraqi Welfare Association explores Promoting Arab & Iraqi Heritage through the lens of folklore clothing.
• Threads of Tradition by My Romania Community offers an exploration of Romanian heritage clothing.
• The Tamil Association of Brent presents Tamil Heritage Records Northern Sri Lanka, a testament to the region’s historical garments.
• Higher Potential’s Made in Brent initiative spotlights local fashion talents.
• Reviving Links delves into Hido Iyo Dhaqan: Exploring Traditional Somali Clothing, highlighting the beauty of Somali attire.
• Lastly, Iranian Traditional Garb by Inspired celebrates the elegance of Iran’s historical costumes.

These projects not only highlight textile history but weave stories of identity, tradition, and innovation. Follow #WeWearHeritage on X (Twitter), and Facebook to get the latest news as we spotlight Brent’s cultural heritage through the universal language of fashion.

About CVS Brent

CVS Brent is dedicated to strengthening and building an effective voluntary sector in the London borough of Brent. CVS Brent is a local infrastructure organisation strengthening and building an effective voluntary sector in the London borough of Brent.

We contribute to the creation of an independent, trusted and sustainable voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE); to further develop a thriving civil society. This is achieved through the provision of expert advice, information and guidance, networking and partnership working.

Follow @CVSBrent on X (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedIn and use #CVSBrent www.cvsbrent.org.uk.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. 

Over the next ten years, the Heritage Fund aims to invest £3.6 billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.  

The Heritage Fund helps protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are. 

The Heritage Fund is passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy. 

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund  www.heritagefund.org.uk.

Further information

For further information, images and interviews please contact Marika Mason at CVS Brent at Marika.mason@cvsbrent.org.uk.