Birmingham Museums launches citizens’ jury

Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT) has launched a Citizens' Jury that will see up to 30 randomly-selected local residents advise its executive team and board on future decisions.

Birmingham residents will receive invitations by post this week asking if they want to participate in the project. 

Those selected after a two-stage lottery will take part in approximately 30 hours of deliberations over six sessions in November, during which time they will discuss the future of Birmingham's museums and hear from expert commentators.

The Citizens' Jury will respond to the question: "What does Birmingham need and want from its museums, now and in the future, and what should Birmingham Museums Trust do to make these things happen?"

Following their deliberation, the jury will produce a set of recommendations for BMT's board and executive, who in turn have committed to respond to all proposals.

Social enterprise Shared Future will run the process, with support from DemocracyNext and an oversight panel to ensure best practice.

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Co-CEOs of Birmingham Museums Trust, said the jury's recommendations will have a "direct impact" on their future work.

"We're excited to pioneer this innovative approach in the UK museum sector. By inviting citizens to help shape the future of their museums, we're ensuring that our transformation truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our citizens, communities and the city."

BMT joins a growing number of cultural organisations, including the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry and Norwich Theatre, that are increasingly embracing co-creation leadership models involving input from across their communities, audiences and artists.