The launch of a citizen-led Cultural Plan

Yesterday marked an important moment for creativity and culture in the West of England, when citizens shared their ideas for a new citizen-led plan for the region. 141 people from across the region, from citizens to artists, local authority representatives to organisational leaders. All came together to mark the launch of the Cultural Plan.

Last year, 51 citizens, selected by civic lottery to reflect the diversity of the West of England, spent months learning, deliberating and working together to answer a simple but ambitious question: what would culture and creativity in the West of England look like if they were for everyone?

At the event, citizens shared their experiences and set out what matters most to them, sharing a plan that covers Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, celebrated the achievement of the citizens’ plan, as did Sophie Moysey from Arts Council England and representatives of the creative and cultural sector. There was a shared commitment to work with citizens to turn the plan into action.

Citizens for Culture is the first time a Citizens’ Assembly has been used in the UK to shape a regional cultural plan. Secretary for State, Lisa Nandy called it “a shining example of how we can put communities at the heart of cultural decisions that impact them”. 

Designed by citizens from the West of England, the Assembly used consensus-based decision-making rather than adversarial debate, with citizens and organisations learning together, questioning evidence and building shared understanding.

Yesterday’s launch was the beginning of the next chapter. Citizens will form a panel to work alongside regional stakeholders. A primary task will be to decide which of their priorities to take forward first, using an investment of £100,000 from Esmée Fairburn.

Over the coming months, citizens, sector partners, local authorities and funders, will meet to explore where work is already happening, where it can grow, and where new collaboration is needed to make culture and creativity genuinely accessible to everyone.

Link to plan

Link to press release

Join the conversation using #CitizensForCulture.