A new network has been set up to make the rich cultural heritage of the South West more accessible.
University of Exeter researchers and representatives from the region's museums and heritage organisations are working together to try to break down barriers to culture.
Social deprivation, the rural and coastal landscape, and poor public transport links can make it hard for people to access cultural and heritage sites in the region.
The South West Cultural Heritage Accessibility Network will support new efforts to tackle these issues.
Models of access to cultural heritage for people with disabilities or older people are often designed for buildings in urban areas.
The network is coordinated by Dr Alyson Mercer, a historian and Dr Simon Hayhoe, an expert in disability and inclusion, from the University of Exeter. Those involved met with people working in or researching the cultural heritage sector at an event at Tate St Ives.
Dr Hayhoe said: "We need specific and new ways to support access to heritage and cultural attractions in blue and green areas. Barriers are currently causing unacceptable cultural divides.
"We hope to create a large network of cultural heritage practitioners, professionals supporting older people and those with disabilities, and academics in the South West. This network will then develop models of access suited to rural and coastal areas, and share good practice of accessing hard to reach cultural heritage sites in the South West of England."
The network will include research projects the public will be able to take part in. This will help those in the network develop effective models of access tailored to rural and coastal areas.
In the longer term it is hoped the network will connect with peers in regions which have similar access issues, both in the UK and internationally, and to forge links with national and international organisations to promote alternative models of access, such as the National Parks Association (US), National Trust, EuropaNostra and UNESCO.
Victoria Carpenter, Director of Access Cornwall, said: "It was wonderful to be a part of this event which marks the beginning of a wonderful initiative to reduce barriers to accessing culture and heritage in Cornwall. At Access Cornwall our focus is on reducing barriers to those who live with disabilities, neurodivergence and health conditions, and as well as having the opportunity to share our own knowledge and strategies it was incredibly helpful to meet with the leads at other organisations and discuss future collaborations."
