Citizens take centre stage in groundbreaking cultural plan for the West of England

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is supporting Citizens for Culture – a new community-led scheme which 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 who 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 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.” 

Lynn Barlow, UWE Bristol’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Creative and Cultural Industries Engagement, said: “Everyone experiences culture in their own way; this is a powerful and timely initiative to uncover how culture and creativity influences the lives of all communities in our region, and how they see their contribution in shaping the future.

“As a university committed to enriching culture, place, and community - and to creating better places for people to live, work, and thrive - we believe that an inclusive and vibrant cultural sector is essential. It benefits not only our students and staff but also the wider network of partners and communities we engage with. UWE Bristol is delighted to support the Citizens for Culture.”

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. 

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. To find out more, visit the Citizens for Culture website.