Town of Culture bids in the West of England? Let’s connect

As Town of Culture proposals take shape across the West of England, we’d love to connect.

Earlier this year, the Culture Secretary described Citizens for Culture as:

“A shining example of how we can put communities at the heart of cultural decisions that impact them.”

The Citizens’ Cultural Plan is now the regional plan for culture. It was shaped by 51 residents selected by civic lottery, working alongside cultural organisations, local authorities and partners across the region.

So here’s a simple thought.

If you’re developing a Town of Culture bid in the West of England, how might your proposal connect with, respond to, or build on the Citizens’ Cultural Plan?…in a way that makes sense for your town?

This is not about copying or duplicating programme ideas but it could just be about how you propose to develop your Town of Culture bid if you’re shortlisted. 

• How are local people involved?
• How are decisions shaped?
• How is trust built?
• How does your vision connect with a wider regional, citizen-led framework?

Being able to show alignment with a democratically shaped regional Cultural Plan, one already recognised by DCMS, could strengthen bids from across our region.

It certainly signals that proposals are rooted in community voice and public legitimacy, not just top-down thinking.

How we can help

Citizens for Culture is currently running a regional Roadshow from March–May bringing citizens and cultural actors together to explore how the Plan moves into action.

If helpful, we can:

• Host a short roadshow-style session in your area, where Town of Culture teams can meet an Assembly member and explore relevant priorities.
• Offer a short online introduction to Citizens for Culture for bid writers and partners.
• Share simple ways to map your proposal against the Citizens’ Cultural Plan.

If you’re working on a Town of Culture proposal and would like to explore this further, get in touch.

Email David, Citizens for Culture Project Manager: david@citizensinpower.com