Putting power in the people's hands: Introducing Participatory Cultural Budgeting
Why do we need this?:
Participatory Cultural Budgeting (PCB) can empower local communities by letting citizens decide how a portion of their cultural funding is spent. Trust in public decision-making has eroded. A broader Canadian public feels increasingly disconnected from the decisions that shape their lives and communities. Could Participatory Cultural Budgeting—a process that directly involves citizens in funding decisions—help build trust, empower communities, and ensure cultural investments truly reflect community priorities?
We think so, and here's how:
Invite and pay non-artist community members to participate in existing assessment processes to advance projects that better represent the individual communities. In addition ensure an equitable process for community members to apply to participate. PCB would empower local communities by letting citizens directly decide how a portion of their cultural funding is spent. While program assessment committees would draw from standard assessment models (Canada Council/Heritage etc.,) PCB committees would feature 70% citizens and 30% arts practitioners.
Imagine overhearing at the grocery store:
We chose to fund a local music festival.
We created a youth-led art project in our neighbourhood.
I got to see me and my grandmother represented in that show.
Our choices directly impacted our community's cultural landscape.
Our community funded radio station is now making a podcast that all Canadians can enjoy on the CBC app
We believe that community-driven funding decisions should be part of every community's story.
Benefits we can all get behind:
Enhanced Democratic Engagement: Citizens become directly involved in decision-making, rebuilding trust and ensuring cultural funding reflects real community needs.
Inclusive Cultural Development: Funding reflects diverse community voices, supporting initiatives that might be overlooked by traditional processes, amplifying unheard voices and fostering innovation.
Stronger Community Bonds: The participatory process itself strengthens community engagement and cohesion through collaboration, discussion, and collective action.
Economic and Cultural Vitality: Grassroots cultural projects drive local economic activity and support cultural innovation, creating vibrant, resilient communities.
How do we make it happen?:
Dedicate a specific percentage (10%-20%) of existing cultural budgets to this new participatory process. Use accessible digital platforms alongside local gatherings to ensure broad and inclusive participation. Monitor outcomes transparently, share successes widely, and continually refine the process based on community feedback. Launch the program with a 10-year horizon, with annual evaluations tied to participation rates and community impact.
Who pays for it?:
Sustained public investment through Canada Council, positioned as an investment in community cohesion, cultural vibrancy, and a truly representative cultural framework. Additional federal and provincial resources could help scale and sustain this initiative, supplemented by private and philanthropic partners invested in democratic innovation and community empowerment.
It’s about the vibes. It's about trust. It's about ensuring cultural decisions reflect real community voices, needs, and aspirations. Participatory Cultural Budgeting is more than funding projects; it's about empowering citizens, strengthening democracy, and building the vibrant, inclusive communities Canadians deserve. Participatory cultural budgeting will help.
David, Owais, and SGS
