The National Gallery is breaking new ground with the launch of “NG Citizens,” the UK’s first national citizens’ assembly led by a major cultural institution. The move has been hailed as a bold step toward democratic innovation in the arts but has also drawn sharp criticism from traditionalists concerned about public influence on elite cultural institutions.
A Democratic First in UK Arts Governance
Set to begin next month, the NG Citizens initiative will invite 15,000 households across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to participate in a civic lottery. From this pool, 50 participants will be selected by the Sortition Foundation and Involve charity, with 20 ultimately serving on a five-year advisory panel. While the panel won’t select exhibitions or artworks, it will advise the National Gallery on its purpose, priorities, and public value.
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, described the move as “part of our stewardship of a collection that belongs to the UK public.” Jane Knowles, Director of Public Engagement, stressed this is “a collaboration, not just consultation.”
The initiative follows the example of Birmingham Museums Trust, whose 2025 citizens’ jury helped shape their strategic direction through 30+ hours of deliberation, producing 20 key recommendations.
Praise for Innovation – and Concern Over Expertise
Proponents argue that the move signals a more inclusive and democratic future for the UK’s cultural institutions. Supporters point to growing public demand for transparency and accountability in how national collections are managed and presented.
However, critics have not held back.
Writing in The London Standard, columnist Melanie McDonagh expressed deep concern:
“I do not want the National Gallery to be asking a selection of individuals including those with no knowledge of art or who lack cultural formation of any kind to be deciding on the exhibitions I go to.”
Former Christie’s CEO Guillaume Cerutti echoed similar doubts on LinkedIn, stating that while increasing access and engagement is essential, a 50-person citizens’ assembly “may not be the right mechanism.”
Museums consultant Maurice Davies called the move “quite radical,” especially for a gallery so embedded in the British cultural establishment, but questioned whether this is true governance reform or “more sophisticated audience research.”
A Test Case for Cultural Democracy
The assembly highlights growing tensions in the cultural world between curatorial expertise and democratic participation. Scholars note that cultural institutions often resist public input over fears it may compromise professional standards or challenge traditional practices.
Still, the National Gallery’s move may serve as a test case for future governance models, offering a new way to balance public accountability with curatorial integrity.
As other national museums observe this experiment unfold, the outcome could reshape how British cultural institutions engage with the very public they serve.
