Citizens’ Assembly explores skills and economy across the region

Monday 13 October

This weekend the West of England Citizens’ Assembly met again, focusing on the themes of Skills and Economy.

On Saturday 11 October, citizens from Bristol and South Gloucestershire met together online, and on Sunday 12 October, citizens from Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset held their own online session.

The Assembly continues to explore the core questions:

What would culture and creativity look like in the West of England if they were for everyone?

The weekend explored how culture and creativity support jobs, skills and enterprise across the region, contributing to the wider economy.

Citizens reflected on the scope of the Assembly’s work so far — and how they are going on to develop place-based priorities in the four Unitary Authority areas as well as a regional Cultural Plan for the West of England which will include short, medium and long-term proposals. 

Citizens also learned about different models of cultural funding and took part in a practical exercise exploring urban and rural cultural challenges through a “deep democracy” approach, helping consider multiple perspectives.

After each of the weekend’s presentations, citizens worked together in small facilitated groups to share observations and prioritise questions for speakers.

Speakers for the weekend included:

• Richard Blows and Mark Fisher (Boomsatsuma) on creative industry education, training, and employment pathways for young people.
• George Tivenan-Densley and Fiona Matthews (Superculture) on participatory arts as a driver of wellbeing, local pride, and economic resilience.
• Ruby Sant (Little Lost Robot CIC/Bath Spa University) on inclusive creative practice and community-led projects in Radstock, Twerton and Somer Valley.
• Bashart Malik (filmmaker and mentor) on improving access and representation for Black and Global Majority creatives in film and television.

The Unitary Authorities were also part of the weekend’s presentations:

• Robert Campbell (Bath and North East Somerset Council) on the Council’s new Cultural Development Plan and its vision for culture as a driver of health, social cohesion and prosperity.
• Elise Hurcombe (Bristol City Council) on inclusive, citizen-focused cultural planning in Bristol.
• Chris Head and Josyanne Clarke (North Somerset Council) on culture’s role in community cohesion and the council’s emerging Cultural Framework.
• Cllr Chris Willmore, Donna Whinham, and Alison Catlin (South Gloucestershire Council) on the area’s current offer and the importance of grassroots activity and local identity.

Recordings of the presentations are made available so that citizens can revisit them as they develop their ideas and recommendations.

The next Assembly meeting is on Sunday 19th October, in-person in Bristol, when citizens will be exploring a series of Snapshots providing overviews of key topics and beginning to shape emerging themes from the Citizens’ Assembly. 

Check back in on Monday 20th October for the latest update.