International approaches to local cultural decision making

Insight Paper

Partners

British Council

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch)

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper captures international perspectives on local cultural decision-making, drawing on a high-level roundtable co-convened by Culture Commons, the British Council and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch). Contributors from Canada, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands and beyond shared models for multi-tier governance, citizen participation and equitable cultural policy. The paper highlights how cities worldwide are experimenting with new forms of cultural democracy — from participatory budgeting and residents’ councils to partnerships that bridge local and global institutions — and examines what the UK can learn as it deepens its own devolution journey. It calls for stronger international exchange, re-imagined institutions, and a renewed focus on creativity as a driver of trust, inclusion and social transformation.

Published as part of the The Future of Cultural Devolution in the UK.

October 2024