Community Voices To Co-Design Creative Offer for North Somerset

In a groundbreaking move that puts community voices first, a new consortium has formed in North Somerset to co-design a cultural offer that will explore creative routes to health and wellbeing using an innovative model driven directly by local residents.

At the heart of the initiative is the Citizens’ Panel, an innovative, deliberative model that places residents—not just policymakers and arts organisations—at the centre of cultural decision-making. The new cultural offer will be created in direct response to the panel’s recommendations, ensuring that the activity reflects the needs and desires of the community.

“This is outstanding news for North Somerset. Our region faces persistent health inequalities, yet it is also home to an incredible asset — a committed and collaborative creative, community, and health sector. The CPP represents a transformative opportunity to harness the creative energy and ideas of our communities, driving change from the ground up. Together, we can build a future where people feel connected, joyful, and valued through culture.” Dr Mandy Gardner, CEO of VANS 

The consortium includes Voluntary Action North Somerset, Race Equality North Somerset, Super Culture, University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust and Alliance Homes, in association with Citizens for Culture, Weston Town Council and North Somerset Council.

The project has been awarded £750,000 as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio, which sees £42 million invested in 45 programmes from 2026–29, to deliver more grassroots-led cultural experiences in areas across England where involvement in arts and culture is below the national average.

The project will launch in Spring 2026.