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.”

Open Call for Proposals – Citizens’ Assembly Evidence

We are inviting people from the West of England to submit proposals for evidence to be presented at the Citizens’ Assembly for Culture in Autumn 2025.

We welcome evidence in various forms to ensure the Assembly reflects the diverse voices and needs of local communities. Individuals, artists, and organisations across the region are encouraged to contribute proposals for evidence to help shape the future of culture in the West of England.

This is your opportunity to share your insights, experiences, and creative ideas. If selected, your input will play a key role in creating a cultural plan that truly represents the West of England’s diverse communities.

For more information visit https://citizensforculture.info/ or email anjali@citizensforculture.info

For a glossary of key terms explained in the document, click here. 

Deadline: 5pm 3rd July 2025

What is Citizens for Culture? 

In 2025, ‘Citizens for Culture’ is bringing together people from across the West of England to explore how creative opportunities can be accessible for everyone in the region. A citizens’ assembly for culture will take place this Autumn 2025 where citizens will develop a Cultural Delivery Plan for the region that will be supported by our cultural sector and unitary authorities.

The Assembly will respond to the question:

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

Why Submit an Evidence Proposal?

Through a Citizens Assembly, we have a chance to come together for the benefit of culture and creativity in the West of England. By creating a Cultural Delivery Plan led by citizens, we can show how important culture and creativity are and why it matters to the region. Working together, we can help attract much-needed investment and support, with input from people all across the West of England.

Submitting your ideas for evidence gives you a chance to be heard and to help guide the future of culture in the West of England. You can directly influence the Cultural Delivery Plan, and no matter your role, this is a chance to take part in a region-wide conversation that leads to real change. Here’s what’s in it for you:

Freelancers:
Showcase your practice, amplify your lived experience and advocate for the structural support you need to thrive.

Organisations:
Highlight the impact of your work, share models that could be scaled or supported, and demonstrate your role in the regional cultural ecosystem.

Community Members or Groups:
Share stories of local action, advocate for community priorities and ensure underrepresented voices are part of region-wide decision-making.

Start-Ups and Small to Medium Enterprises:
Influence policies that affect creative enterprise and make the case for investment.

Educators:
Contribute to shaping future cultural skills pathways and highlight successful training, outreach or apprenticeship models.

Cultural Leaders and Institutions:
Position your organisation as a sector leader and help align your mission with regional cultural goals that are community-informed.

What Are We Looking For?

We’re inviting proposals for evidence presentations that showcase the richness and diversity of culture across our region. Evidence presentations should be no more than one hour.

We’re especially interested in work that explores the role of culture in people’s lives, communities and the economy. We are grouping evidence under categories from the existing West of England Cultural Plan to ensure that the citizen-led plan can be supported by authorities in the West of England. Key themes include:

 

1. Culture and Community

• How culture brings people together and strengthens communities
• Projects led by local communities
• Tackling inequalities and improving access to cultural opportunities

 

2. Culture and Wellbeing

• How cultural activities support mental and physical health
• Examples of social prescribing, therapeutic programmes or creative projects that improve quality of life
• Lessons learned during and after the pandemic

 

3. Cultural Economy and Workforce

• The impact of culture on the local economy
• Experiences of cultural workers, including freelancers and organisations
• Support for independent artists, start-ups and small to medium enterprises and businesses, for example through funding, networking, and support
• How makers and freelancers access and influence decisions made within the cultural space

 

4. Skills and Opportunities

• Helping people gain the skills needed for creative careers
• Training, apprenticeships
• Focus on inclusion and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds

 

5. Cultural Infrastructure and Ecosystem

• How the cultural sector is structured, including key players, relationships, and systems
• The challenges of funding, sustainability and resilience in a post-COVID and cost-of-living crisis context
• The challenges and opportunities within the current landscape

 

6. Culture and Place

• How culture shapes the identity of towns, cities and rural areas across the West of England
• Examples of art and culture making places more vibrant, inclusive and liveable
• Heritage spaces and how they hold a legacy of a place and people’s identity and connection to that place

 

How do I Submit Evidence?

To submit a proposal for evidence, please fill out this form, which will ask you to describe your submission.

We welcome evidence to be presented in the assembly in a range of formats, including:

• Written statements/research/reports that can be presented
• Case studies/ research
• Films/ short videos
• Panel Discussions
• Performances
• Workshops
• Presentations
• Artistic expressions, such as spoken word, visual art, performances etc.

Whatever your preferred medium, we want to hear from you.

How is evidence selected?

Evidence proposals will be put before an independent Advisory Panel. If selected, it will be presented to the citizens in the assembly who will consider it when developing ideas for a Cultural Delivery Plan.

What is the deadline?
Submissions will be accepted until 5pm 3rd July 2025

Accessibility:
If you have any access needs or require assistance with your submission, please contact anjali@citizensforculture.info

How are submissions selected?
The evidence will be selected by an Advisory Panel. Some of the evidence will be presented during the assembly, allowing participants to engage with it through performances, data, case studies, and testimonials.

What happens if my submission is selected?

If your evidence is selected for the assembly, you will be invited to join an assembly day either in-person or online to present your evidence to the citizens in the assembly.

You will be invited to present at one Assembly day, on either a Saturday or a Sunday in September or October 2025. Exact dates and times will be confirmed if your proposal is selected, but you will likely be required for half a day or less.

If you are freelance, unsalaried, or part of a small unfunded organisation, you will be reimbursed for travel (if your presentation is in person), provided lunch on assembly days, and offered a fee of £195 for presenting at the assembly.

If you are submitting evidence on behalf of an organisation with funding, you are invited to present as part of your role and will not be offered a fee.

What happens if my submission is not selected?

Even if your proposal is not selected for the Assembly, it may be included as part of an exhibition of evidence, accessible to the public and all participants throughout the assembly. This ensures that every contribution has the chance to shape the assembly’s final recommendations. You will have the option of whether you want your proposal to be included in a public exhibition.

 

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

1. What is Citizens for Culture?

Citizens for Culture is a groundbreaking initiative that places local people at the heart of cultural decision-making in the West of England. Through the UK’s first Citizens’ Assembly on Culture, a diverse group of residents will come together to shape a Cultural Delivery Plan that reflects the needs, priorities, and ambitions of the region.

The assembly will address the question:
“What would culture and creativity look like in the West of England if they were for everyone?”

The recommendations will help influence funding, policy, and investment in cultural projects across Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

 

2. Why is this happening?

Culture is central to our communities, yet decisions about funding and priorities are often made without public input. Citizens for Culture ensures that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of creativity in our region, not just those traditionally involved in the arts.

This initiative will:
✔ Ensure fairer access to cultural funding and opportunities
✔ Encourage fresh perspectives and new ideas
✔ Create a citizen-led Cultural Delivery Plan that influences policy
✔ Support economic growth, skills development, and wellbeing through culture

This is part of a wider movement towards citizen-led decision-making, ensuring culture is shaped by the people who experience it.

 

3. How does it work?

• A Citizens’ Assembly will be convened in Autumn 2025, bringing together 40 people randomly selected from across the region.
• Deliberation: Over several sessions, participants will learn from experts, discuss key issues, and develop recommendations.
• Decision-Making: The group will shape a Cultural Delivery Plan, outlining priorities and actions for the region’s cultural future.
• Implementation: A Citizen Oversight Panel will ensure that the assembly’s recommendations are acted upon.

 

4. Who is involved?

Citizens for Culture is a partnership between cultural organisations, funders, and local authorities, including:
✔ Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Councils
✔ West of England Combined Authority
✔ Cultural partners such as Trinity Community Arts & St Pauls Carnival
✔ Funders including Arts Council England, Paul Hamlyn Foundation & Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
✔ A network of over 100 community and cultural organisations

 

5. How were people selected for the assembly?

A democratic lottery (sortition process) will ensure a representative mix of participants. This means:
✔ A random selection process that reflects the region’s diversity
✔ Extra emphasis on involving underrepresented communities (e.g., global majority communities, disabled people, rural residents, young people)
✔ Participants will receive support (e.g., expenses, access needs) to ensure everyone can take part

The selection process is independent and fair, ensuring that no single group dominates decision-making.

 

6. What about the arts organisations—will they be left out?

No. Arts organisations are essential partners in this process. Citizens for Culture is not about replacing expertise—it is about bringing fresh perspectives into decision-making.

Cultural organisations will have multiple roles:
✔ Contributing evidence and expertise to inform the assembly
✔ Helping to implement the recommendations after the assembly
✔ Acting as Assembly Advocates, supporting citizen-led approaches

This is about creating stronger partnerships between citizens, cultural leaders, and policymakers.

 

7. What impact will the Citizens’ Assembly have?

This is not just a talking shop—it will lead to real action. The assembly’s Cultural Delivery Plan will:
✔ Inform local and regional cultural strategies
✔ Influence funding decisions from major public and private sources
✔ Ensure long-term citizen oversight to track progress
✔ Pilot new projects with a dedicated £100,000 fund

The goal is to create a long-term shift in how cultural policy is made, ensuring citizens remain part of the decision-making process.

 

8. What if there’s no extra funding for culture—how will this help?

While local authority budgets are under pressure, this initiative helps make better use of existing resources. The assembly will:
✔ Ensure funding is allocated fairly and strategically
✔ Help cultural organisations work smarter, not harder
✔ Encourage investment from new sources
✔ Develop ideas that make culture more sustainable

Rather than competing for the same funding, this is about collaboration and smarter investment.

 

9. What if people don’t agree with the Citizens’ Assembly’s recommendations?

The assembly’s recommendations will be based on evidence, expert input, and citizen deliberation—not just opinion. The process is designed to be fair and balanced.

Local authorities and cultural organisations have committed to taking the recommendations seriously. The Citizen Oversight Panel will hold them accountable, ensuring that decisions aren’t ignored.

 

10. How can I get involved?

✔ Sign up to receive updates – Stay informed about the Citizens’ Assembly and its findings.
✔ Contribute evidence – Individuals and organisations will have the chance to submit ideas and research.
✔ Attend public events – There will be community workshops and discussions before and after the assembly.
✔ Become an Assembly Advocate – Support the work of Citizens for Culture and help bring the recommendations to life.

For updates, visit citizensforculture.info or follow us on LinkedIn.

 

11. Key Dates

• March–August 2025 – Public awareness campaign & engagement
• September–October 2025 – Citizens’ Assembly convenes
• 2026–2029 – Implementation of recommendations & funding alignment

 

Final Thoughts

Citizens for Culture is about democratising decision-making in the cultural sector, ensuring everyone has a say in shaping the creative future of the West of England.

This is an opportunity to influence how culture is supported, funded, and developed—for everyone, by everyone.

📌 For more information, click here

In 2025, the West of England will host its first Citizens’ Assembly for Culture, a unique opportunity for citizens to create a region-wide Delivery Plan for Culture. We are now seeking three Community Mobilisers who will build relationships with community groups, individuals and organisations across the region to encourage them to take part in the Citizens’ Assembly for Culture and the Citizens for Culture Network.

This role is all about building relationships – you’ll work with local organisations, distribute flyers and digital materials, attend community events, and organise your own Citizens for Culture Activation Event to get people involved.

We are looking for one mobiliser in South Gloucestershire and one from Northeast Somerset!

We are especially keen to hear from people with strong connections to global majority communities, disabled communities, and/or young people.

 

About the Role:

Contract Type: Freelance
Reports to: Citizens’ Assembly Producer and Communications Manager
Pay: £1056 total fee (£22 per hour) spread across three months, plus a £500 budget for community events.
Additional Support: Travel costs and a meal allowance are covered on event days.
Hours: Part-time, flexible between June 2025 – August 2025. 

Start Date: June 2025

Deadline: Rolling until filled

How to Apply:

Submit your application via this form by or upload an audio/video application (up to 5 minutes) via the form. If you have access needs, please contact anjali@citizensforculture.info.

Click here to view the Job Description.