News / Arts
Culture funding to be put into hands of local communities
A unique citizens’ assembly is to become a new ‘Citizens for Culture’ panel with £100,000 of funding from a philanthropic foundation to invest in the arts in Bristol and further afield.
It comes as the assembly’s first report has been published with recommendations including to repurpose unused sites as shared creative resource hubs, set up smaller local cultural assemblies to help guide future funding, and develop creative solutions for more affordable and accessible transport options.
Funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, it is hoped that Citizens for Culture will “shift power to local people, giving them direct control over investment into culture where they live”.
In a joint statement, project partners Emma Harvey, LaToyah McAllister-Jones and David Jubb said: “Citizens for Culture exists because too many decisions about culture are made without the people they affect.
“This Assembly showed that when citizens are given time, support and real responsibility, they make thoughtful, ambitious and practical choices.
“Their Cultural Plan isn’t a wish list; it’s a shared direction for the region, shaped by people who live here and care deeply about our region’s future.
“What happens next depends on all of us choosing to work differently, together.”
West of England mayor, Helen Godwin, added: “Whether it’s Weston reaching the third round of the FA Cup, Aardman winning an Oscar, Bath’s ever-growing tourism offer or Rivals winning an Emmy, the West’s culture is unmatched.
“With more investment on the way, the best is yet to come.
“I’m thrilled that the Citizens’ Assembly will continue as the Citizens for Culture panel, with funding to pilot their ideas.
“This report is an important moment… I’m looking forward to working with the citizens, our wider communities, creative sector and councils to make culture more accessible for all.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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