Supporting ‘Local Voice’ in cultural decision making

Cultural DevolutionThe Future of Cultural Devolution in the UKPublication
Written By Culture Commons

Insight Paper

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper explores how citizens can play a more active role in shaping local cultural decision-making across the UK. Drawing on contributions from leading practitioners and researchers — including Professor Leila Jancovich (University of Leeds), David Jubb (Citizens in Power), LaToyah McAllister-Jones (St Paul’s Carnival), Chris Wright (FutureEverything), and Robin Simpson (Creative Lives) — it examines practical models of participation such as citizens’ assemblies, participatory budgeting, community asset transfer and co-production. The paper highlights both the democratic and practical challenges of embedding “local voice” within existing governance systems, and showcases innovative examples from Greater Manchester, the West of England and grassroots creative networks. It concludes with an exploration of a cultural “right to participate,” greater investment in deliberative democracy, and stronger partnerships between citizens, local authorities and combined authorities to ensure decision-making reflects the communities it serves.

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

May 2024

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Combined and Local Authorities: Working together to support local cultural decision making
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The role of cultural strategies in local cultural decision making