Jury for Joy - West Cumbria
What is Jury for Joy?
Jury for Joy is a citizens’ jury which designs inclusive and creative programmes in West Cumbria. The jury’s role is to shape a programme of creative events using a budget provided by Everyone Here to reflect and reach the diverse communities of the region. The jury process enables local citizens to work together to make decisions about cultural activities, ensuring they resonate with and benefit everyone in the area. Participants for the jury are selected through a democratic lottery and receive a gift of £200 as a thank you for taking part. The resulting programmes are then delivered by Everyone Here; a Creative People and Places programme supported by Arts Council England.
How Did Jury for Joy Begin?
The jury was the vision of Everyone Here’s co-directors, Kieran Sheehan and Sam Hunt. The first jury took place in May 2024 with the second in November 2024; it will happen twice a year as a permanent model of programming for Everyone Here.
David Jubb describing the Jury for Joy process to participants
What Happened in 2024?
The May 2024 jury devised two programming initiatives for 2025:
The Everyone Here Bus: A mobile creative hub bringing creative possibilities to rural and underserved areas of West Cumbria.
The Imagination Festival: A celebration of creativity in West Cumbria including performances, workshops, and community events.
In November 2024, the jury developed the plans for these ideas that will be launched in Spring 2025. In 2025, the jury will continue to expand its membership of citizens from across West Cumbria.
Why It Matters
Jury for Joy exemplifies how citizen-led approaches can transform cultural programming. By empowering local voices, it ensures creativity is accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
Jury for Joy May 2024