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.
Watch the documentary:
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 would you like to be 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.
Watch Citizens for Culture:
https://youtu.be/5h9hiRjcHs4
Get involved:
Tell Citizens for Culture how you or your organisation would like to be involved
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “From festivals and theatre to sport, film and TV, culture is a huge part of who we are in the West. Everyone across the region should have the chance to enjoy it, feel part of it and have a say in what comes next.
That’s why I was so pleased to see 51 people from across our region come together through the Citizens’ Assembly to help develop a shared vision for culture here. Their work has given us a plan shaped by the people who live here, for the people who live here – and I’m delighted that they will continue to have a voice through the Citizens for Culture panel. I hope this film encourages even more people to get involved and play their part in the cultural life of our region.”
Fore more information, visit www.citizensforculture.info.