Citizens take centre stage in groundbreaking cultural plan for the West of England

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.”