Galleon Arts Centre future in Barking to be set by citizens' panel

Creative Barking & Dagenham announced the initiative to shape the future of the Galleon Arts Centre in Barking.

The project, named Imagine Galleon Together, will see the public taking part in a deliberative citizens' panel.

A civic lottery this month will select the 12-strong panel to represent the Barking and Dagenham population.

They will meet in June to create an outline plan for the centre's future.

The project is a collaboration with Barking and Dagenham Council and Arts Council England.

It is led by Sarah Wickens of Creative Barking and Dagenham, working with David Jubb of Citizens in Power and freelance consultant Allegra Galvin.

The aim is for the Galleon Arts Centre to reopen independently with investment from Arts Council England and support from Barking and Dagenham Council.

Galleon Arts Centre - Pivotal's women's empowerment day (Image: Lexie A) A citizens' panel is a decision-making process that brings together representative groups to deliberate on an issue and propose a way forward.

It is based on the model of citizens' juries and assemblies used in Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Barking and Dagenham residents can sign up for a chance to be randomly selected.

Panel members will receive £200 in shopping vouchers for their time, plus support with childcare or other access costs.

Creatives and community groups are also invited to share their insights via a questionnaire.

Unwaged people who contribute to advising the panel will be paid £37.50 per hour.

A dance battle (Image: 3SF x OV The Session, WithSoph) Ms Wickens, director of programme at Creative Barking & Dagenham, said: "Barking and Dagenham is a place full of creative people and energy.

"When it fully reopens, Galleon Arts Centre will be a much-needed resource for local people to be creative and participate in culture, and importantly it will be designed for and by Barking and Dagenham citizens."

In the long term, Creative Barking & Dagenham aims to create a permanent citizens' assembly that could help shape both Galleon Art Centre’s programme and other creative activities in the borough.