Shining a light on the people, places and stories that make Barnet unique, this exhibition invites you to explore the borough’s rich heritage through the eyes of its communities.
Ten local community organisations across Barnet received funding to explore the heritage that matters to them and to share their responses to the theme of Light + Flight. Throughout 2026, they have delivered projects celebrating the many ways heritage shapes our sense of place, identity and belonging.
Barnet’s aviation history has served as the springboard to tell stories of journeys and arrivals; the cultural roots of Barnet’s Nepalese, Afro Caribbean and African diaspora communities have been documented; the impact of youth work and grassroots organisations on resident’s sense of belonging explored; and the history of green spaces and pollinator pathways unearthed.
By bringing forward previously underrepresented stories, the grants programme has sought to document heritage that is representative of the borough’s present-day communities. Together, these projects have brought new stories to light and opened fresh perspectives on our shared heritage.
COMMUNITY HERITAGE GRANTS
Colindale Communities Trust: Animated stories and shared memories of Grahame Park.
East Finchley Community Trust: Connected people, pollinators and green spaces through three historic walking routes.
Burnt Oak Nepalese Community: Documented and celebrated the lives, memories and cultural roots of Nepalese people in Burnt Oak.
JUST INCARNIVAL Arts and Culture: Explored Barnet’s diverse cultural identities through carnival arts and stories of migration.
Stonegrove Estates’ Youth Project: Celebrated the physical and personal journeys of the Stonegrove community.
F.U.S.E Youth Project: Explored the history, impact and lasting legacy of youth clubs in Grahame Park and Colindale.
Art Against Knives: Brought attention to overlooked spaces and amplified stories of safety and belonging.
CB Plus: Celebrated the lived experiences of Barnet’s African diaspora communities through creative, intergenerational heritage work.
Barnet Education Arts Trust: Engaged secondary school students in exploring local stories, people and traditions through poetry, music and the arts.
Heritage Community Crafts: Explored crochet traditions and crafting stories with elders from African and Caribbean communities
All projects will be archived with the Barnet Local Studies Service, ensuring they are accessible for generations to come.
The Light + Flight Community Heritage Grants were made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
EXHIBITION DESIGN
For Bringing Stories to Light, the U-Build system will form part of the exhibition design, creating flexible walls, spatial divisions, plinths, seating and interactive / mobile elements. Using the U-Build Box Library, components can be rearranged into different configurations, inviting visitors to create, dwell, sit and play.
U-Build is a modular, demountable construction system developed by Studio Bark, using reusable timber boxes that can be assembled, adapted and reconfigured. Its Box Library provides components for temporary projects including exhibitions, events and educational workshops, supporting a circular approach to design.
