Reimagining Heritage: A week at Hardwick

From the rolling landscapes of Hardwick Hall to the cultural richness of Chatsworth and Clumber Park, the Inclusive European Heritage Residency brought together a vibrant cohort of heritage professionals for a week of immersive learning, collaboration and reflection. Hosted by Europa Nostra, INTO and the National Trust, the residency offered a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing the heritage sector today.

The residency began with a warm welcome and orientation, setting the tone for a week of exploration. Participants engaged with the historical significance of Hardwick Hall, learning about Bess of Hardwick’s legacy and the architectural marvels of the estate. Guided walks and site tours provided context and grounding, while the outdoor theatre performance of Elizabeth I offered a creative lens into heritage storytelling.

“This week of sharing, of discovering, of laughing will last long in my memories and strengthen my desire to dedicate myself to heritage and especially European heritage as it seems we actually all share a lot of histories, know how, roots etc.”

– Mathilde Rubinstein, Deputy Director, La Citadelle de Marseille

Central to the programme was the question: How can heritage be made relevant today? Through workshops and group activities, participants explored storytelling techniques, audience engagement strategies and the importance of inclusive narratives. The “Relevance of Bess” session sparked thoughtful discussions on who heritage stories serve and how they can be adapted to resonate with diverse communities.

Sessions on “Ending Unequal Access” and “Planning for a Whole Estate” challenged participants to think critically about equity in heritage spaces. The session on social impact and public benefit underscored the sector’s responsibility to foster inclusive environments.

“I arrived home with a head so full of ideas that I couldn’t sleep from the excitement. I think it will take me a few more days to digest everything I heard and saw. I would like to thank the entire host team for such a wonderful reception and organisation of everything. And all the participants who shared their knowledge and experience. It was simply amazing!”

– Katarzyna Sielicka, Manager, Museum & Education Dept, Książ Castle

One of the most inspiring moments of the residency came during the group presentations on the “Live Brief” for Hardwick Hall. Participants were invited to imagine bold, community-rooted futures for the estate. And they delivered.

Ideas ranged from transforming Hardwick into a hub for local enterprise – dubbed “Bess-ness” – where start-ups and small businesses could access resources and support, to planting a memorial woodland on the site of the former Polish resettlement camp, honouring the layered histories of the land.

Other proposals included:

• Youth-led fashion shows and festivals celebrating identity and creativity
• Resilience walks and “spot the imperfection” trails that embrace vulnerability and authenticity
• Family nights and grandchildren take-over days to foster intergenerational connection
• Community-curated exhibitions and storytelling events

“We loved all the suggestions, ideas and provocations participants shared about how Hardwick can better deliver the National Trust’s strategy and we’ll certainly be making good use of them in the coming months and years!”

– Nikki Waters, General Manager – Hardwick Hall, National Trust

Midweek, the residency shifted focus to conservation skills and nature-led heritage. Participants visited live building projects, tried their hand at stone masonry and joinery, and explored the intersection of cultural landscapes and ecological restoration. The visit to Longshaw Estate and the panel on “Inequality in the Outdoors” highlighted the role of nature in heritage engagement.

“We are planning to establish a stonemasonry school in Georgia. The masons at Hardwick gave me a handcrafted stone (in the shape of an acorn!) which will be given a place of honour at the entrance, as a source of inspiration.”

– Giorgi Burjanadze, Archaeologist, Cultural Heritage Specialist & Co-Chair, National Trust of Georgia

As the residency concluded, the sense of community and shared mission was palpable. The Residency not only deepened participants’ understanding of heritage but also empowered them to become changemakers in their own organisations and communities.

Whether through storytelling, conservation, or inclusive engagement, the legacy of this week will continue to ripple outward – connecting people to heritage in meaningful, transformative ways.

This residency would not have been possible without the dedication, generosity, and spirit of collaboration from so many individuals and organisations.

To our co-organisers: thank you for crafting a thoughtful, inspiring and seamless programme that balanced learning, reflection and creativity.

To all our National Trust colleagues: your time, insights and warm hospitality brought the places we visited to life. From conservation experts to storytellers, your passion for heritage was infectious.

To the participants: your energy, curiosity and openness made this residency truly special. Whether through deep discussions, bold ideas or cooking meals for one another, you created a community rooted in care and shared purpose.

And finally, to our European Union funders: thank you for supporting this opportunity to connect across borders, share knowledge and imagine new futures for heritage.

Europa Nostra have published a lovely summary with lots more photos on their website here.