A new 16-minute documentary tells the story of the West of England’s Citizens’ Assembly for Culture through the people who took part – and invites more people to be part of what happens next.
A year ago, 51 citizens from across the West of England came together to explore a big question: what would culture and creativity look like if they were for everyone?
Selected through a civic lottery, they brought different experiences and perspectives. They listened, challenged assumptions and worked together to create the Citizens’ Cultural Plan – a shared vision for creativity and culture across the West of England.
A new independent documentary, commissioned by Citizens for Culture, tells that story from the citizens’ perspective: why they took part, what happened when they came together and what they wanted to change.
Assembly members talk about wanting culture to be “available for as many people as possible”, about seeing their communities better represented, and about the value of bringing different voices together to find stronger solutions.
The film follows their journey through to the moment the Citizens’ Cultural Plan was shared with the Mayor of the West of England – and how the shift from Assembly to Action began.
A year on, Assembly members remain involved through a Citizens’ Panel which will oversee delivery of the Plan over the coming three years. Communities, cultural organisations, artists, freelancers, educators, local authorities and other partners across the region have also been exploring how the ideas in the Plan can be turned into action through a series of Citizens for Culture Roadshows.
How to get involved
Citizens for Culture is asking people and organisations across the West of England to watch the film and tell them how they would like to be involved in what happens next.
Tell Citizens for Culture how you or your organisation would like to be involved
About Citizens for Culture
Citizens for Culture is a collaboration between Trinity Community Arts, St Pauls Carnival CIC, Citizens in Power and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. They set out to bring together citizens – people living, working or staying across the West or England – to explore how creative opportunities can be inclusive and accessible for everyone in the region.
