How Is Evidence Selected for the Citizens’ Assembly?

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