People sought to meet in first Citizens' Assembly

A ground-breaking initiative is set to redefine how culture is shaped across the West of England, with 52 citizens set to be selected to take part in the UK's first Citizens' Assembly dedicated to the arts and creativity.

- Lewis Clarke

From Sunday (June 23), 15,000 randomly chosen households across the region will receive invitations to apply for a place in the new assembly.

The project, titled Citizens for Culture, aims to ensure cultural opportunities are truly inclusive and accessible to all, with participants helping to answer the question: "What would culture and creativity look like in the West of England if they were for everyone?"

The 52 assembly members, selected through a civic lottery run by the Sortition Foundation, will meet from September to October in a series of events that promise to be immersive and creative.

Their discussions will shape a regional Cultural Delivery Plan, set for publication in November 2025.

Citizens for Culture is backed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, along with Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

It also has the support of Arts Council England, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.