Participatory cultural decision-making as governance for health and wellbeing

Governance for health and wellbeing has traditionally been structured as a top-down process, with governments and policymakers determining strategies to improve population health. While there is increasing recognition of the role of arts, creative practice, and culture in wellbeing, cultural participation is often framed as an intervention rather than a governance mechanism. This commentary argues that participatory cultural decision-making is a form of governance for health and wellbeing. By shifting from cultural consumption to cultural co-governance, participatory models such as citizens' juries and community-led planning empower communities and individuals, promoting agency, cohesion, and wellbeing.