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Priorities for culture in local areas
This page shows what citizens identified as the most important cultural priorities in each area of the West of England. These priorities reflect the experiences, hopes, and needs of people living in each place.
Each local area developed its own priorities before contributing to the wider regional Cultural Plan.
We want culture in Bath and North East Somerset to be fair, visible, and for everyone. Empty buildings could become spaces for art and connection. Funding should be shared openly and reach every community. We want to see local partners working together, breaking down barriers, and making creative spaces affordable and accessible. Culture here should represent all of us, our stories, our voices and our future.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Landowners and Developers to repurpose unused buildings into long-term cultural hubs. Because communities need safe, welcoming places to gather and create. So that people can connect locally through culture.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Heritage Trusts and Creative Organisations to bring heritage buildings into creative use. Because heritage buildings risk disuse and culture needs visible, accessible spaces. So that history and creativity can thrive together.
We want to work with Funders, Local Authorities and Local Businesses to rebalance investment and co-design funding that reflects diverse communities. Because smaller and under-represented groups feel excluded from current processes. So that cultural investment reflects real diversity and opportunity.
We want to work with Local Authorities to involve residents, artists and community leaders in cultural strategy development. Because people want to contribute ideas and lived experiences. So that cultural decisions are informed, inclusive and supported by all.
We want to work with Local Authorities and Property Owners to reduce the cost of creative spaces and increase access to public and private buildings. Because affordability limits cultural participation and creative development. So that creativity can flourish in more accessible places.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Cultural Boards and Voluntary Sector Partners to create ongoing citizen engagement through multiple accessible formats, including forums, assemblies, community groups, and community representation roles such as local cultural ambassadors or parish councils. Because people want direct and meaningful influence over cultural decisions. So that cultural decision-making is shared between citizens and councils.
We want culture in Bath and North East Somerset to be fair, visible, and for everyone. Empty buildings could become spaces for art and connection. Funding should be shared openly and reach every community. We want to see local partners working together, breaking down barriers, and making creative spaces affordable and accessible. Culture here should represent all of us, our stories, our voices and our future.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Artists, and Cultural Organisations to co-produce an inclusive directory of local cultural groups, venues and activities, using multiple languages and accessible formats. Because people don’t know what is happening locally and smaller or under-represented groups are missing out. So that everyone can easily find cultural opportunities and all groups have fair access to local audiences.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Mayoral Combined Authority and Funders to publish accessible breakdowns of cultural funding decisions, incl. rejected applications, and include citizens in decision-making.Because funding currently feels inequitable and does not reach the communities that need it most. So thatfunding becomes trusted, accountable and driven by community priorities.
We want to work with Local Authorities and Mayoral Combined Authority to support affordable access to parks, schools, libraries and unused buildings for cultural activities, with consultation and guidance on use. Because culture needs welcoming, affordable space and many communities lack usable venues. So that culture becomes a visible, everyday part of neighbourhood life, strengthening pride and belonging.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Mayoral Combined Authority to establish local citizen-led cultural panels with rotating membership and influence over cultural decisions, even where budget availability is limited, so that they are not dismissed simply due to funding constraints. Because local cultural decisions should reflect community needs rather than top-down priorities. So that decision-making becomes transparent, accountable and shaped by local people.
We want to work with Local Authorities and Transport Services to support affordable, safe and sustainable transport options that help people reach cultural activities, especially evenings and underserved routes. Becausetransport prevents many communities from taking part in culture. So that cultural engagement becomes realistic and accessible for everyone across the city.
We want to celebrate who we are and what we have; the natural and historical landmarks that shape our towns, villages and countryside making North Somerset a unique place to live and a great destination. We believe local people should be key decision-makers and influencers in how culture is funded and supported. We want stronger promotion of what’s happening here. More hubs where artists and communities can connect. Supportive council systems that make it easier for us all to create. Our vision is a culture that starts with us, reflects us and belongs to us.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Funders and the Mayoral Combined Authority to publicly review and share how cultural funding is allocated, who benefits and why. Because transparency builds trust. So that cultural funding is fair, representative and understood by all.
We want to work with Local Authorities, and Local Foundations to involve citizens directly in how cultural funding is distributed. Because local people understand their areas best. So that resources meet real community needs.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Cultural Organisations and Placemakers to invest in and promote local landmarks that reflect community identity. Because pride in place builds belonging. So that communities feel recognised, safer and more connected.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Schools, GP Surgeries and Community Connectors to share cultural information through trusted local messengers. Because people miss out due to lack of communication. So that everyone feels invited and included.
We want to work with Local Authorities and Finance Teams to allocate cultural funds transparently and equitably across wards, and clearly show cultural spending to the public (including through bills or public reporting), while ensuring cultural access remains affordable for local residents. Because fairness and affordability matter to communities. So that cultural life is balanced, accessible and accountable across the district.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Creative Industries and Voluntary Alliances to build a shared cultural hub for resources, training and promotion tools. Because organisers struggle to connect and collaborate. So that creativity and partnership grow across North Somerset.
We want a South Gloucestershire that listens and learns, a place where creativity belongs to all of us. We believe in asking people what they want and acting on it. Our schools, artists and communities should work together so everyone, whatever their needs, can join in, make and share. We want open, trusted systems and access to training and resources that let imagination grow close to home.
We want to work with Local Authorities, Cultural Networks and Local Employers to make creative spaces, tools and resources affordable and easy to find. Because cost and access barriers prevent participation and stunt local creative growth. So that more residents engage in culture and creative careers thrive locally.
We want to work with Schools, Education Leaders and Cultural Partners to expand and protect creative education including drama, art, music and sport. Because creativity is being squeezed out of learning and young people miss opportunities to develop. So that every child builds confidence, skills and lifelong engagement in culture.
We want to work with Local Authorities and Funders to publish clear funding criteria and decision rationales and provide feedback to applicants. Because communities need transparency to trust how cultural money is spent. So that funding is fair, understood and supportive of long- term cultural development.
We want to work with Local Authorities and Cultural Boards to create ongoing local consultation panels with rotating leadership. Because leadership stagnation blocks fairness and diverse representation. So that decisions remain responsive, inclusive and community-led.
We want to work with Local Authorities Venues and Organisations to meet physical, sensory, communication and financial access needs across cultural spaces. Because disabled people still face barriers to taking part. So that everyone can create and experience culture equally and confidently.
We want to work with Cultural Organisations, Local Authorities and Funders to share what works, what doesn’t and what they have learned through evaluation. Because learning together strengthens cultural delivery.So that practice improves across wellbeing, inclusion and the local economy.
Citizens for Culture is a project developed in partnership with St Pauls Carnival, Trinity Community Arts and Citizens In Power.
In 2023, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority joined the partnership as part of their region-wide investment in culture.
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