In 2025, Trinity Community Arts, St Pauls Carnival CIC, Citizens in Power and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority will collaborate to launch a regional Citizens’ Assembly for Culture.
This bold new approach to cultural engagement will bring together citizens – people living, working or staying across the West or England – to explore how creative opportunities can be inclusive and accessible for everyone in the region.
Guided by the four pillars of the West of England’s existing cultural plan – skills, the economy, placemaking and well-being – the Assembly will create a series of recommendations that will help to define priorities for regional cultural output; what takes place and where, who is involved and how our regional offer is shaped and defined.
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THE PROJECT SO FAR:
The partnership secured further funding from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation for the delivery of Citizens for Culture. Citizens for Culture was announced as part of the delivery plans for West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Culture West programme.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority agreed to join the partnership and support the research phase. One of the objectives of this phase was to create a series of citizens’ panels with representative groups of citizens from across the region selected by the Sortition Foundation. These citizen panels created the design principles for the Citizens’ Assembly for Culture.
£10,000 of research and development funding was secured from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) which enabled the partners to begin the initial research phase. During this period, collaborators from the cultural sector helped explore how a Citizens’ Assembly for Culture could be used to co-create a cultural delivery plan During this phase, it was recommended that the plan should incorporate the wider region.
The project was initiated by St Pauls Carnival CEO, LaToyah McAllister-Jones, and Trinity‘s CEO, Emma Harvey, who, as community leaders, began to think about how people in Bristol – particularly those from under-represented groups – could help to inform cultural plans for the city. The pair began working with David Jubb from Citizens in Power to build democracy into cultural decision-making. programme.
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What’s it about?
The Citizens Assembly for Culture is the UK’s first citizens’ assembly that will develop a regional Cultural Plan for the West of England and put communities in the driving seat of decisions about creative and cultural activities. This event will take place at Barton Hill Micro-campus, Barton Hill, Bristol BS5 0FP
What will I learn?
Information about this democratic consultative process which is open to everyone living in the West of England Mayoral region (Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset) and ways to take part in it.
What if I want to find out more?
More information about the process can be found on: Citizens for Culture – West of England Combined Authority area — Citizens in Power
Reserve your place here
What’s it about?
The creative and cultural sectors are facing huge challenges including lack of resources, burnout and an uncertain future. So why bring citizens into decision-making? In Autumn 2025 there will be a Citizens’ Assembly in the West of England to create a citizen-led cultural delivery plan for Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
What will I learn?
This 90-minute session introduces the Citizens for Culture project, explores how it has developed over the past three-years, and looks at how the Citizens’ Assembly could support the sector. By the end of the session you will have the latest lowdown on the project as well as understanding ways for people and organisations in the creative and cultural sectors to get more involved.
What if I want to find out more?
If you attend this briefing session, there will also be a second session which will be more like a workshop, for those who want to delve deeper into the process of citizen-led decision-making and discuss how these models are designed and developed.
What if I am a freelancer?
If you are working in the creative and cultural sectors but are unsalaried then there is a £25 payment available for attending the session on receipt of an invoice. We acknowledge this will not fully cover people’s time but it is a recognition that coming to these kinds of meetings or workshops represents a real cost to freelancers.
Reserve your place on eventbrite here.
What’s it about?
The creative and cultural sectors are facing huge challenges including lack of resources, burnout and an uncertain future. So why bring citizens into decision-making? In Autumn 2025 there will be a Citizens’ Assembly in the West of England to create a citizen-led cultural delivery plan for Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
What will I learn?
This 90-minute session introduces the Citizens for Culture project, explores how it has developed over the past three-years, and looks at how the Citizens’ Assembly could support the sector. By the end of the session you will have the latest lowdown on the project as well as understanding ways for people and organisations in the creative and cultural sectors to get more involved.
What if I want to find out more?
If you attend this briefing session, there will also be a second session which will be more like a workshop, for those who want to delve deeper into the process of citizen-led decision-making and discuss how these models are designed and developed.
What if I am a freelancer?
If you are working in the creative and cultural sectors but are unsalaried then there is a £25 payment available for attending the session on receipt of an invoice. We acknowledge this will not fully cover people’s time but it is a recognition that coming to these kinds of meetings or workshops represents a real cost to freelancers.
Reserve your place on eventbrite here.
From this week onwards, 15,000 invitation letters are being delivered to randomly selected households across the West of England. These letters offer residents the opportunity to take part in a unique democratic process. Those who accept will form a Citizens’ Assembly that reflects the diversity of our region. Together, they will help shape decisions on key cultural issues, ensuring that every voice has a chance to be heard.
Alongside these invitations, we are also inviting people to share their ideas and experiences through our Open Call for Evidence.
But what exactly is “evidence” and how is it chosen?
What Is Evidence?
By ‘evidence’ we are referring to any information, insight, or lived experience that can help Assembly members better understand the cultural landscape of the West of England. This evidence will inform their discussions and decisions as they develop a Cultural Delivery Plan for the region.
Evidence can take many forms, including:
- Written reports or research
- Case studies of cultural projects or initiatives
- Personal stories and lived experiences
- Creative expressions such as performances, films, or artworks
- Workshops, presentations, or panel discussions
Whether you’re an artist, educator, community organiser, or cultural leader, your contribution can help Assembly members explore what culture and creativity could look like if they were truly for everyone.
The Role of the Advisory Panel
The responsibility for selecting which evidence is presented at the Assembly lies with an independent Advisory Panel. This panel is made up of experts and community representatives who carefully review all submissions.
Their role is to ensure that the evidence presented is:
- Balanced – representing a range of perspectives and experiences
- Relevant – aligned with the Assembly’s core question
- Representative – reflecting the diversity of the West of England
The panel curates a selection of evidence that will help Assembly members explore the question:
“What would culture and creativity look like in the West of England if they were for everyone?”
Why an Open Call?
Citizens’ Assemblies do not usually have an open call for evidence, instead the lived and learned expertise of the independent Advisory Panel is solely responsible for curating the evidence for citizens. We wanted to go further with an Open Call for Evidence. The Open Call is designed to supplement the work of the Advisory Panel, ensuring that voices from across the region can contribute to this process.
Whether you’re a freelancer, community group, educator, or cultural organisation, your insights can help shape the future of culture in the West of England.
While not all submissions will be selected, every proposal will be reviewed by the Advisory Panel. If chosen, you’ll be invited to present your evidence whether through performance, presentation, or creative expression at one of the Assembly days this autumn.
A Collaborative Process
By combining expert curation with open community input, we’re building a Cultural Delivery Plan that is both grounded in lived experience and visionary in scope. This collaborative process ensures that the Citizens’ Assembly is informed by a wide range of voices, practices, and priorities.
Deadline for submissions: 5pm, 3rd July 2025
Questions or access needs? Email: anjali@citizensforculture.info
Submit your evidence here
Citizens for Culture will empower people across the West of England to shape the region’s cultural future. This marks the UK’s first Citizens’ Assembly dedicated to exploring how creative opportunities can be made truly inclusive and accessible to all, bringing together individuals from every walk of life.
Culture in the West of England means much more than just the arts, it is shaped by libraries, museums and festivals, music and more. The Citizens’ Assembly is a people-powered process that gives residents the chance to influence the decisions that directly impact them.
From 23 June, 15,000 randomly selected households across the region will receive invitations to take part in a unique democratic process. Those who accept will form a Citizens’ Assembly that truly reflects the diversity of the West of England. These participants will help shape decisions on key regional issues, ensuring that every voice has a chance to be heard.
The 52 citizens selected to take part will answer the question: “What would culture and creativity look like in the West of England if they were for everyone?”
These discussions will help shape a Cultural Plan to be unveiled in November 2025. This community-led plan will reflect the hopes, values, and creative vision of the region’s residents, serving as a model for citizen-led cultural policymaking across the UK.
Citizens for Culture is backed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, and South Gloucestershire Council. Citizens for Culture is also supported by Arts Council England, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said:
“From festivals to theatre, sport to heritage, clubs to cinema, and so much more besides, culture in the West knows few limits – or equals. Creativity is part of who we are, and everyone in our region deserves to make the most of the best of life in our part of the world.
“How we understand and tell our story will be a big part of this new chapter for the West, and will be key to attracting further investment. It’s past time for all communities, wherever or whoever they are in our region, to be connected – including to the economic opportunities offered by a world-renowned cultural scene.
“I can’t wait to see the ideas and energy of the new Citizens’ Assembly on culture. Their collective voice will be an important part of shaping our plans on culture, which will be developed and delivered with partners from the sector and local councils.”
The first of the Assembly events will take place on Sunday 14 September, the day before International Democracy Day. Marking a historic shift in how decisions about culture are made, rather than being shaped solely by policy-makers or institutions, the region’s future creative landscape will be crafted by its citizens, with the support of the region’s cultural sector.
Trinity Community Arts’ CEO Emma Harvey said; “Citizens for Culture is about handing power back to the people to define our cultural destinies. Culture is about arts and creativity, the spaces we socialise in, the stories we tell about who we are, and how we make sense of the world around us. That’s why it’s important that decisions about culture reflect all of us, regardless of background or political view.
“We all have a right to freedom of cultural expression. So, whether you see yourself as a lover of the arts or if you’ve never felt it’s for you, if you receive a letter inviting you to take part, we’d encourage you to say yes! Your voice matters, and this is a chance for everyday folk to lead the conversation and help shape a cultural future that includes all of us.”
Whether or not you receive an official invitation to the Citizens’ Assembly, there are plenty of ways to get involved in shaping the future of culture in our region. From taking part in inspiring workshops and local events to signing up for our newsletter or joining the conversation on social media, everyone has a role to play.
Additional quotes:
- Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council & Deputy Mayor for West of England, said: “Citizens for Culture represents exactly the kind of bold, citizen-led thinking we need to build a more inclusive and dynamic cultural future across the West of England. In Bath and North East Somerset, we are proud to support this initiative as part of our wider ambition to place culture at the heart of community wellbeing, economic renewal, and civic pride. By working in partnership with our neighbouring authorities, the West of England Combined Authority, and the creative sector, we can unlock the full potential of our region through a cultural plan shaped by its people. Citizens for Culture is a key step towards that goal.”
- Cllr Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “Culture in our city and region is part of our everyday lives. It brings people together, supports jobs, inspires learning, and creates spaces where everyone can feel welcome and represented. Our cultural scene is known around the world, but its true strength lies in the people and communities who shape it. That’s why it’s so important that we listen to local voices and work together to shape the future of culture in our region. By supporting the Citizens for Culture approach, we’re committing to a shared journey — one where everyone has a role in building a cultural life that reflects and supports us all. We’re excited to learn, contribute, and help ensure that culture continues to thrive for everyone in Bristol and beyond.”
- Cllr Mike Bell, Leader, North Somerset Council, said: “North Somerset Council is happy to support Citizens for Culture. We see real value in this initiative, not just as a catalyst for culture, but as a powerful driver for inward investment. The opportunity for a broad range of partners to come together with residents and cultural champions, pooling their creativity and expertise, is really exciting. A vibrant, inclusive cultural landscape that truly reflects our region is an important part of what makes our area a great place to live and we are pleased to work with Citizens for Culture to help achieve that.”
- Cllr Maggie Tyrrell, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “We’re proud to support Citizens for Culture, the UK’s first Citizens’ Assembly dedicated to creating a region-wide Cultural Delivery Plan. This exciting collaboration brings together voices from across South Gloucestershire and the wider West of England to ensure that culture and creativity are accessible to everyone. Through meaningful participation, we’re helping to shape a future where arts and culture play a central role in community life, local pride and economic opportunity.”
Job Title: Citizens Assembly Digital Producer
Contract type: Freelance
Working With: Citizens Assembly Producer
Rate of Pay: £2,400 for 13 days of work spread across July, August, September & November 2025 (equivalent to £175 per day)
4 days preparation across July and August and 8 days present, both in person and online, during the Assembly itself across September, October & November.
Hours: Must be available on all Assembly dates with some in-person sessions on the following dates:
- 14 September 2025 – In-person, Bristol
- 27 & 28 September 2025 – Online
- 11 & 12 October 2025 – In-person, Bristol
- 19 October 2025 – Online
- 26 October 2025 – Online
- 9 November 2025 – In-person, Bristol
About the Role:
The Digital Producer will lead and manage all online and digital components of the Citizens’ Assembly for Culture for the West of England. This means ensuring the smooth delivery of digital operations, including live streaming, online meetings, and the coordination of digital accessibility provisions for 52 participants.
The Digital Producer will work closely with the Citizens’ Assembly Producer and with participants to create an inclusive online environment where people can fully participate in the assembly.
Why This Work Matters:
In June 2025, 15,000 invitations will be circulated to households across the West of England region, including Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. People will be invited to enter their name into a public lottery. The people who are selected will become part of a Citizens’ Assembly to create a plan for cultural activities. A Citizens’ Assembly is when a group of randomly selected citizens are brought together to learn about, deliberate, and make recommendations on a specific issue. In this case, the focus is on culture and creativity in the West of England. They will receive £700 as a gift for participating in the Citizens’ Assembly. We know that there are communities of people who have been excluded from cultural activities in the region.
Many communities in our region have been left out of creative and cultural opportunities. Research shows that people from lower-income backgrounds, global majority communities, disabled communities, young people under 25, and those in rural areas are less likely to participate in publicly funded cultural activities. We are committed to changing this, and digital accessibility is a key part of that commitment.
As the Citizens Assembly Digital Access Producer, you will play a key role in ensuring that digital access barriers do not prevent anyone from participating. This includes supporting participants with technology loans, tutorials, device checks, and ensuring that all digital platforms used for the Assembly are accessible and inclusive.
Key Responsibilities:
Digital Event Production:
- Work with the venue to plan, set up, and manage livestream for in-person and online Assembly sessions, ensuring high-quality audio and video delivery.
- Coordinate online meetings for all Assembly sessions, using platforms such as Zoom.
- Manage and troubleshoot technical issues during live events and online meetings to minimise disruptions.
Citizen Accessibility:
- Collect and manage digital access needs from participants, including device loans, tech tutorials, and support requests.
- Book and coordinate provisions such as laptop loans and device checks.
- Deliver or arrange one-to-one and group tech tutorials, platform walkthroughs, and rehearsals ahead of Assembly sessions if needed.
- Provide ongoing technical support before and during sessions to participants and facilitators.
- Ensure accessibility features (captioning, translation, screen reader compatibility) are integrated into digital platforms.
- Act as primary contact for all technical inquiries related to participant access and digital platforms.
Digital Asset Management:
- Coordinate recording, archiving, and distribution of livestreams, session recordings, presentation materials, and transcripts.
Essential Skills:
- Experience in digital event production, including live streaming and online meeting management.
- Proficiency in online meeting platforms like Zoom.
- Strong technical troubleshooting skills and the ability to work under pressure.
- Experience in coordinating and supporting diverse groups, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
- Excellent communication skills, able to guide non-technical users.
Desirable Skills:
- Interest in Citizens’ Assemblies, participatory democracy or similar.
- Experience in cultural events.
To Apply:
Submit your application via this form by 1st July 5pm. On the form you have the option to upload audio/video responses to the form’s questions (up to 10 minutes). If you have access needs, please contact anjali@citizensforculture.info
