Submission of Amendments

Author

Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This detailed policy submission sets out a series of proposed amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, designed to embed culture, creativity and heritage within England’s emerging framework for devolved governance. The paper argues that high-quality devolution depends not only on shifting powers but on building the civic and cultural capabilities that make places thrive. It proposes statutory recognition of culture as a devolved competence, new duties for Strategic Authorities to produce Cultural Ecosystem Plans, establishing Culture Forums and appointing Culture Commissioners, alongside measures for cultural data, infrastructure, community rights and investment. Together, these amendments would ensure culture sits alongside transport, housing and skills as a core pillar of place-based leadership — turning devolution into a living expression of local identity, trust and pride in place.

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

October 2025

Evidence Report

Partners

Centre for Cultural Value, The Audience Agency, My Cake, Research England

Author

Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This evidence report summarises the findings from a national policy roundtable convened by Culture Commons with senior officers from Combined Authorities across England to inform the blueprint for a proposed National Cultural Data Observatory (NCDO). It examines how a shared cultural data infrastructure could enable regional leaders to evidence the social, economic and civic value of culture, strengthen accountability within England’s evolving devolution framework, and embed cultural metrics within the emerging Local Government Outcomes Framework. The paper distils six key insights—on investment and evaluation, spatial analysis, data efficiency, qualitative and quantitative integration, local authority collaboration, and ethical governance—and outlines practical next steps for pilot engagement between Combined Authorities and their constituent local authorities.

Published as part of Scoping National Cultural Data Observatory.

September 2025

Discussion Paper

Partners

University of Kent

Author

Dr Cara Courage, Dr Lucrezia Gigante (Culture Commons), Professor Catherine Richardson (University of Kent).

Editor

Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This paper examines how culture-led capital development projects are creating new opportunities for local cultural decision making in the UK. Through an analysis of two live case studies – Docking Station (Medway, Kent) and Harmony Works (Sheffield, South Yorkshire) – we examine how capital development projects function as important nodes within creative, cultural and heritage ecosystems, as well as their potential to enhance the voice of local people within them. We make several tentative recommendations for future policy support mechanisms that could ensure the flourishing of such projects in future.

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

April 2025

Digital Policy Report

Partners

30 organisations based in the UK.

Author

Culture Commons

Editor

Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This digital report provides a comprehensive overview of a major four-nations open policy development programme led by Culture Commons in partnership with 30 organisations across the UK. Drawing on 25 new research papers and extensive engagement with more than 250 stakeholders from across the four nations and internationally—including sector bodies, funders, policymakers, cultural workers, and the public—the report presents the largest open policy development programme on cultural devolution ever undertaken. It outlines the project’s methodology, policy context, findings and recommendations, and highlights how this work is already influencing local, regional and national policymaking.

November 2024

Insight Paper

Partners

Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COLSA), Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA).

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper captures perspectives from local government officers and arm’s length organisations across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on the challenges and opportunities of greater local cultural decision-making. Drawing on roundtables co-convened with partners including COSLA, NILGA and WLGA, the paper explores how local authorities are navigating austerity, evolving departmental structures, and growing ambitions for culture-led regeneration. It highlights concerns around capacity, funding inequity, and statutory protection for cultural services, alongside emerging examples of cross-departmental collaboration, participatory governance, and data innovation. The paper concludes with a set of policy implications for supporting local authorities to play a stronger role in the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystems of their nations.

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

November 2024

Discussion Paper

Author

Eliza Easton (Erskine Analysis), Trevor MacFarlane (Culture Commons) and Jack Shaw (Labour Together).

Description

This discussion paper examines the evolving relationship between the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors and the process of devolution across all four nations. Drawing on detailed analysis of policy, funding and governance trends since the late 1990s, it explores how local authorities, combined authorities and devolved administrations have engaged with the creative economy, highlighting uneven investment, the effects of austerity, and the rising influence of regional mayors. The paper identifies key challenges and opportunities for embedding culture more deeply within devolved systems of governance and proposes ways the sector can better position itself to shape and benefit from future waves of devolution.

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

November 2024

Insight Paper

Partners

Creative Industries Council (CIC)

Author

Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This insight paper captures perspectives on devolution and increased local decision-making from senior members of the UK’s Creative Industries Council (CIC). Drawing on a high-level roundtable discussion, it explores how creative industries leaders view the opportunities and risks of greater regional autonomy, the role of combined authorities, and the importance of place-based approaches to growth. The paper highlights concerns about capacity within local government, uneven regional investment, and the need for data-driven, mission-oriented collaboration between national, regional and industry partners. It concludes by identifying key implications for future cultural and industrial policy as the UK’s devolution agenda continues to evolve.

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

November 2024

Discussion Paper

Partners

University of Warwick (research), Centre for Cultural Value (roundtable logistics)

Author

Dr Heidi Ashton (University of Warwick)

Editor

Trevor MacFarlane (Culture Commons)

Description

This research paper investigates how devolution and increased local cultural decision-making could affect the UK’s freelance creative workforce. Drawing on analysis of labour market data and sector evidence, it exposes how deregulated and project-based employment structures have left many freelancers in precarious conditions, falling between categories of employment law and policy support. The paper highlights stark regional inequalities, limited access to social security, and the challenges of mapping nomadic creative work onto place-based governance. It argues that without national reforms to underpin local interventions, freelancers will remain economically vulnerable and undervalued within cultural ecosystems, and calls for cooperative, cross-regional strategies that recognise the freelance workforce as the creative economy’s foundation.

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

November 2024

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

Insight Paper

Partners

Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Calouste Gulbenkiam Foundation (UK Branch).

Author

Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This insight paper captures perspectives on devolution and local decision-making from senior representatives of major UK grant-giving bodies investing in the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem. Drawing on a high-level roundtable co-convened with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch), it examines how funders are responding to shifting governance structures, rising demand and widening regional disparities. The paper highlights concerns about becoming “funders of last resort,” explores opportunities for collaboration with local and combined authorities, and identifies ways philanthropic investment can complement rather than replace public funding. It concludes by outlining policy implications for how grant-giving bodies want to operate effectively within a devolved and increasingly place-based funding landscape.

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

August 2024

Insight Paper

Partners

Libraries Connected

Author

Libraries Connected

Description

This insight paper, produced by Libraries Connected, captures perspectives from senior library leaders across the UK on how devolution and increased local decision-making are reshaping public library services. It highlights the pivotal yet often under-recognised role libraries play as civic and cultural infrastructure, trusted by communities and uniquely positioned to support citizen engagement, digital inclusion and place-based policymaking. The paper explores the opportunities of devolution for scaling services, strengthening community participation and integrating libraries into regional cultural strategies, while warning of risks such as fragmentation, underfunding and marginalisation. It concludes by calling for renewed investment in library leadership and capacity to ensure libraries can fulfil their potential as anchors of local democratic and cultural life.

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

August 2024

Insight Paper

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper explores how property developers can play a more active role in local cultural decision-making and culture-led placemaking. Drawing on a roundtable with leading figures from the built environment and creative sectors—including Urban Splash, Stories, and the Sheffield Property Association—it examines how purposeful partnerships, socially responsible development models, and blended funding approaches can embed culture within regeneration and planning. The paper highlights growing recognition that cultural infrastructure and programming make places more successful, resilient and inclusive, and sets out policy implications for fostering collaboration between developers, local authorities and cultural stakeholders within a devolved policy landscape.

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

August 2024

Insight Paper

Partners

University of Dundee, V&A Dundee

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper explores how creative, cultural and heritage leaders across the Tayside and Fife regions are working together to strengthen local and regional collaboration. Drawing on a panel discussion at the V&A Dundee with senior figures from OnFife, V&A Dundee, Culture Perth & Kinross and Leisure & Culture Dundee, the paper examines how place, heritage and landscape shape cultural identity and decision-making, and how civic practice and community co-creation are reshaping organisational governance. It highlights a growing appetite for regional working in East Scotland—building on models such as City and Regional Deals—and calls for stronger frameworks and resources to support collective approaches across local authority boundaries.

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

August 2024

Evaluation Report

Partners

University of Kent

Author

Dr Lucrezia Gigante, Alanna Reid, Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This evaluation report, produced for the University of Kent’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning, assesses the outcomes of the School’s collaboration on the High Street Heritage Action Zone at Chatham Intra, Medway. Drawing on interviews, focus groups and policy analysis, the report examines how participatory planning, live project learning and community engagement can enhance both architectural education and civic capacity. It highlights the project’s success in building relationships between students, residents and local authorities, while identifying opportunities for sustained partnership, co-design and the development of an “Urban Room” model for continued engagement. The report concludes with practical recommendations for higher education institutions and local authorities seeking to embed community collaboration in place-making and planning processes.

July 2024

Discussion Paper

Author

Professor Leila Jancovich (University of Leeds), Dr Lucrezia Gigante (Culture Commons), Dr Claire Burnill-Maier (Culture Commons)

Editor

Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This discussion paper, co-produced with colleagues at the University of Leeds, investigates how public involvement in cultural decision-making can strengthen democracy, accountability and legitimacy across the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors. It analyses a range of participatory mechanisms—from public value frameworks and co-production to citizens’ assemblies, participatory budgeting and community asset transfers—highlighting their benefits, challenges and policy implications. The paper argues for moving beyond one-size-fits-all models to locally relevant approaches that empower citizens, foster trust, and embed cultural rights within devolved governance structures.

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

August 2024

Insight Paper

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper explores the realities of cultural decision-making in the UK’s so-called “left-behind places,” drawing on a national roundtable with local leaders, funders and policymakers convened by Culture Commons in partnership with Local Trust and Arts Council England. It examines how years of underinvestment, fragile infrastructure and low civic capacity have shaped the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystems of deprived areas, while also highlighting the pride, creativity and resilience that persist within them. The paper captures tensions around the language of “left-behind,” the challenges of building trust and co-production with communities, and the importance of long-term, revenue-backed collaboration across tiers of governance. It concludes with policy implications for ensuring future devolution and cultural funding reforms actively empower, rather than overlook, these communities.

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

August 2024

Research Paper

Partners

University of Warwick

Author

Dr David Wright and Dr Vishalakshi Roy

Description

This paper examines the policy legacies and governance implications of large-scale cultural events, such as the UK City of Culture programme. Using comparative case studies, it interrogates how major events influence investment patterns, civic participation and urban transformation. The authors find that while these events can catalyse regeneration and enhance cultural confidence, their benefits are often uneven and short-lived without robust post-event planning. They highlight how “event exceptionalism” can distort long-term strategies, leading to short funding cycles and unsustainable infrastructure. The paper argues for embedding major events within coherent regional cultural strategies that align with devolution priorities, sustain legacy funding, and distribute benefits across wider geographies. It concludes that mega-events should be treated not as isolated showcases but as catalysts for sustained, community-centred policy innovation.

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

August 2024

Research Paper

Partners

Heseltine Institute for Public Policy (University of Liverpool)

Author

Dr James Hickson, Anthony Noun, Professor Catherine Durose, Sue Jarvis

Description

This paper explores the evolving role of local authorities as central actors in the UK’s cultural ecosystem. It analyses how councils, despite unprecedented financial pressures, continue to anchor local cultural life through direct provision, convening power and civic leadership. Drawing on case studies from across England, the paper reveals innovative models emerging at local level—from community trusts and cross-sector partnerships to integrated wellbeing initiatives—that position culture as an enabler of economic resilience and social cohesion. However, it also highlights fragility: a lack of long-term funding, inconsistent strategic alignment with combined authorities, and diminishing specialist expertise. The authors argue for a renewed settlement that restores culture as a shared local and national responsibility, calling for mechanisms to coordinate investment, align metrics, and embed culture within outcome frameworks for levelling up and devolution.

Published as part of The Future of Cultural Devolution.

August 2024

Research Paper

Partners

Centre for Cultural Value (University of Leeds)

Author

Dr John Wright

Description

This research paper investigates how local cultural strategies are evolving within England’s shifting policy and governance landscape. It explores how such strategies can function as frameworks that integrate cultural investment with economic planning, health and wellbeing, education and spatial regeneration. Through comparative analysis, the paper shows how culture increasingly acts as connective tissue between local growth priorities and national policy missions. It argues that effective strategies must move beyond tokenistic statements of intent towards data-informed, mission-oriented and outcomes-based approaches that embed culture within wider systems of public value. The paper calls for improved evaluation methodologies, cross-sector collaboration, and consistent local–national dialogue to ensure cultural strategies are recognised as critical instruments of place-based governance and accountability in the era of devolution.

Published as part of The Future of Cultural Devolution.

July 2024

Research Paper

Author

Thinks Insight & Strategy

Description

This research paper reports on a series of public focus groups conducted across the UK to understand how citizens perceive culture, creativity and local decision-making. It reveals a public deeply invested in cultural life but sceptical about how decisions are made and who benefits from them. Participants expressed strong appetite for transparency, fairness and a greater local voice in funding and governance. The study shows that people view culture as vital to community wellbeing and local identity but disconnected from everyday politics. The authors conclude that devolved cultural systems will only succeed if they meaningfully engage citizens, communicate the value of cultural investment clearly, and build visible pathways for community influence in decision-making.

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

July 2024

Research Paper

Author

Dr Jonathan Vickery (University of Warwick)

Description

This regional research paper provides a detailed account of the West Midlands’ creative and cultural landscape within the context of devolution. Combining historical analysis, policy mapping and stakeholder interviews, it identifies both the region’s pioneering achievements and its persistent structural challenges. The paper shows how overlapping governance structures, fragmented investment, and the legacy of austerity have produced uneven opportunities across the region. Yet it also highlights growing leadership from the West Midlands Combined Authority, local councils and anchor cultural institutions in fostering cross-sector collaboration. The paper calls for a coherent, region-wide cultural strategy that leverages the area’s diversity, builds institutional partnerships, and embeds culture within regional growth and wellbeing agendas. It concludes that the West Midlands has the assets and ambition to model a new approach to cultural governance for a devolved England—if resourced and coordinated effectively.

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

July 2024

Insight Paper

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper explores how pan-regional collaboration can strengthen the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage sectors within an evolving devolved policy landscape. Drawing on a Culture Commons Knowledge Exchange session with contributors from Creative Estuary and the Royal Society of Arts’ and the One Creative North initiative, it examines how cross-regional partnerships can drive investment, coordination and innovation while reducing duplication. The paper highlights the advantages of shared identity, scale and expertise in supporting creative growth, but cautions that regional approaches must remain accountable to local communities. It concludes that future devolution frameworks should enable collaboration both across regions and between local, regional and national tiers of government.

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

July 2024

Discussion Paper

Author

Dr Jonathan Vickery (University of Warwick)

Description

This discussion paper argues that culture should be understood and protected as a fundamental human right, essential to individual freedom, dignity and democratic participation. Drawing on international law and cultural rights frameworks, it explores how the UK could embed this principle across governance systems through legislation, funding and education. The paper critiques current policy approaches that treat cultural access as discretionary rather than integral to wellbeing and citizenship. By framing culture as a right, the author suggests, policymakers can move beyond instrumental rationales towards an inclusive vision of cultural democracy. The paper calls for new accountability mechanisms to measure equitable access, and proposes that cultural rights should be embedded into devolution settlements and local outcome frameworks to ensure that every citizen can participate fully in the cultural life of their community.

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

July 2024

Insight Paper

Partners

Art Fund

Author

Kate Wafer (Wafer Hadley)

Description

This insight paper presents perspectives from independent museum leaders across the UK on the impact of devolution and local decision-making on their institutions. Based on a roundtable convened by Art Fund and supplemented by sector research, it reveals the highly variable nature of relationships between museums and local authorities — from supportive to non-existent — and the fragility created by political churn and financial instability. Participants highlighted the dual pressures of diminishing local funding and rising public expectation, while also recognising opportunities emerging from regional structures that value culture strategically. The paper calls for more stable partnerships between museums and local government, greater recognition of their civic role, and clearer integration of museums within devolved policy frameworks as key contributors to education, wellbeing and local identity.

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

June 2024

Research Paper

Partners

University of Warwick

Author

Dr Vishalakshi Roy (University of Warwick)

Description

This research paper examines how different legal entities and business models support the growth and sustainability of organisations within the UK’s creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem. Focusing on case studies and policy frameworks from the West Midlands Combined Authority, the paper analyses how business support schemes—from pandemic relief to new initiatives like the Ownership Hub—impact freelancers, SMEs and hybrid creative enterprises. It identifies critical gaps in tailored support, access to information, and local-level data, arguing that one-size-fits-all approaches limit the sector’s potential. The paper calls for more nuanced, evidence-based interventions that recognise the diversity of business models, strengthen local decision-making, and embed creativity in regional economic strategy.

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

June 2024

Insight Paper

Partners

Greater Manchester Combined Authority, North East Combined Authority, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, South Yorkshire Combined Authority

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper examines how combined and local authorities across England are working together to shape the creative, cultural and heritage ecosystem within an evolving devolution framework. Drawing on a high-level roundtable with officers from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and the newly formed North East Combined Authority, it explores how multi-tier governance operates in practice — from strategy development and funding alignment to data sharing and citizen engagement. The paper highlights the importance of local–regional cooperation, the “value add” of combined authority convening power, and the need for adequate resourcing to sustain collaboration. It also identifies key policy implications for UK Government and mayors, including support for participatory governance, standardised cultural data frameworks, and deeper connectivity between local authorities, regional strategies and national outcomes.

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

May 2024

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

Insight Paper

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper examines the role of local cultural strategies as vehicles for driving creativity, participation and investment in the UK’s evolving devolution landscape. Drawing on a Culture Commons’ Knowledge Exchange session with contributors from Wigan, Belfast and Sheffield City Councils, it explores how place-based strategies can act as catalysts for change — uniting cultural sectors, local authorities and citizens around shared visions for growth and inclusion. The paper highlights innovative approaches to engagement, such as Wigan’s Fire Within manifesto and Belfast’s A City Imagining, and reflects on lessons for governance, evaluation and community voice. It concludes that well-designed cultural strategies can strengthen local democracy, attract investment and embed culture at the heart of civic and regional renewal.

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

April 2024

Insight Paper

Author

Culture Commons

Description

This insight paper explores how devolution and increased local decision-making are unfolding across the four nations of the UK. Drawing on contributions from Dr Jack Newman (University of Bristol), Jane Richardson (Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales), Alanna Reid (Culture Commons) and Christine Osborne (Belfast City Council), the paper traces how political structures, funding mechanisms and civic cultures have evolved in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It highlights both the opportunities and complexities of transferring power closer to communities and considers how culture can be repositioned within this constitutional and policy landscape. The paper concludes that culture must feature more prominently in devolution debates, and that future policy should build on existing governance mechanisms to create coherent, participatory and place-sensitive models of cultural decision-making across the UK.

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

March 2024

Research Paper

Partners

University of Manchester, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Author

Alanna Reid, Trevor MacFarlane

Description

This report introduces the concept of Creative Improvement Districts (CIDs) — a new place-based regeneration model developed in Greater Manchester to harness the power of culture, creativity and the night-time economy in revitalising local areas. Commissioned by the University of Manchester and authored by Culture Commons, the paper situates the CID model within the wider context of UK devolution, levelling up and cultural recovery policy, and examines how it could support inclusive, sustainable growth. Drawing on best-practice examples from across the UK, the paper explores how cultural infrastructure, planning policy and community engagement can combine to foster creative ecosystems that deliver social as well as economic value. It concludes with practical recommendations for local and combined authorities seeking to implement CIDs, calling for new forms of governance, evaluation and investment that embed culture at the heart of place-making and local democracy.

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

November 2022