Citizens in Power has launched a network of people and organisations in the UK who want to lead the culture sector’s transition towards more citizen-led decision-making. 

The network brings together arts organisations that are implementing citizen-led decision-making to direct their planning, operations or programming. For example, this includes decision-making to shape creative and cultural plans for a region, select creative and cultural activities for an organisation, or participating in governance decisions. 

The network is running for a three-year period to enable experimentation, learning and knowledge exchange. The Foundation’s £50,000 grant supports organisations in developing citizen-led governance programmes during year one, with additional funding across three years from Esmee Fairbairn. 

 Citizens in Power launched an open call for a new national UK network in December 2023. The ideas for the network and its structure were shaped by those who responded, ensuring it reflects the needs and ambitions of its members. The resulting group brings together diverse geographical and sectoral expertise to lead the project collaboratively. Functioning as an action-learning community, the network supports organisations in creating and implementing citizen-led governance, strategic planning and project development. Each participating organisation will develop an action plan to embed citizen-led approaches within its structure and operations.

Citizens in Power network members gather for their first residency meeting

Key milestones include regular workshops with expert speakers and practitioners, enabling network members to explore and test democratic decision-making solutions. Through these workshops, participants will gain hands-on experience and practical skills in citizen-led governance. The network also provides guidance in securing funding, reviewing business models and establishing partnerships that can lead to joint investment proposals. 

The network’s long-term goal is to promote a shift in the UK cultural sector towards citizen-led governance, thereby placing decision-making power into the hands of communities. The Foundation is also supporting the project to provide international exchange opportunities, allowing the network to collaborate with global partners and broaden the impact of citizen-led decision-making practices worldwide. 

Participants will benefit from peer learning and professional development as they build internal advocacy skills and lead change within their institutions. The network’s convening power hopes to attract funding support and further expertise, positioning members as leaders in a national and international movement towards more democratic cultural governance. To ensure wider impact, Citizens in Power will also create online publications and resources to share insights with the cultural sector in the UK and beyond, with an advocacy event anticipated in future. 

The project aligns with our Access to Culture programme, which seeks to reshape decision-making processes in the cultural sector by encouraging citizen-led approaches across planning, operations and delivery. By supporting this work, we are investing in a transformative approach that aspires to empower communities, foster inclusivity and drive sustainable change within the sector.