The cultural sector should step back from the colonial model of culture and the arts in buildings and collections, which framed the creation of the dominant model of cultural institutions across the world. The authors propose that, as culture exists and evolves predominantly in society, democratic principles may provide a stronger foundation for future cultural development. Through a range of case studies and provocations from Latin America and Europe, this paper delineates the necessary debate on urgent challenges and opportunities for practitioners, researchers and communities in working together with indigenous and marginalised groups to extend democratic cultural practice in the creative and museum sectors. It also considers some of the barriers that may stand in the way of transformation to democratic legitimacy, alongside some recent international collaborations that provide examples of commitment to cultural change.