Together we make a difference: introducing our annual impact report

Blog series Knowledge Matters

Together we make a difference

Every gift, large and small, helps make a powerful difference, and leaves a lasting impact. So, to everyone who supported us last year – thank you for being part of this journey. And to those who may be inspired to join us in the year ahead, please get in touch so that together we can find more inspiring ways to deliver knowledge, inspiration and enjoyment. Email supporters@bl.uk.

Highlights

This year’s report shines a spotlight on just some of the incredible programmes and projects that have been made possible thanks to the generosity of individual supporters, corporate partners, institutions, trusts and foundations. Thanks to their support we achieved so much more.

• Groundbreaking exhibitions and events. We’re brought stories to life, through major exhibitions and live events – in London, across the UK, and internationally – connecting audiences to culture and ideas. It includes Beyond the Bassline, which celebrated the people and voices that contribute to a vibrant scene that continues to shape British music as a whole.
• Empowering young people with skills for the future. We invested in the next generation, building the skills and aspirations of young people. From starting work on new purpose-built learning spaces and practical projects in Yorkshire, to live-streamed programmes reaching thousands of children across the UK.
• Caring for our collections. We conserved and digitised more treasured items so they can be studied and enjoyed for generations to come. We’ve completed work on a range of fascinating items, including two 500-year-old rolls of accounts detailing the daily life of the royal prisoner, Mary, Queen of Scots.
• Supporting small businesses and innovation. We fuelled innovation and research, so that ideas could flourish or SME businesses grow. In our Business & IP Centre service, we continued to deliver one-to-one guidance, specialist workshops, inspiring events and premium market data. Supporting founders across the UK, we helped thousands of them to turn their great ideas into successful businesses. Next year we’re delighted to celebrate 20 years of the BIPC.