Issue - items at meetings - Developing a new Strategic Framework for Arts & Culture in the City

Report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture (copy attached).

RESOLVED - That the Committee agrees that the City Council works with the Arts & Creative Industries Commission to develop a new Strategic Framework for Arts & Culture in the City.

61.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture in the relation to Developing a new Strategic Framework for Arts & Culture in the City. The report updated the Committee on work being undertaken with the Arts & Creative Industries Commission to develop a new Strategic Framework for Arts & Culture in the City with the aim of supporting the regionally important cultural economy. 

61.2      Councillor Peltzer Dunn suggested that the length of this policy should also be for six years as it was linked closely to the previous item; Officers agreed that they would align the policy as suggested.

61.3      In response to Councillor Morris, Officers acknowledged that it was always important to learn from other cities; it was noted that a program manager had recently been appointed – whilst a visit to Bristol could be undertaken there were other means to carry out this learning digitally and through discussion.

61.4      In response to Councillor Allen it was explained that the strategy was expected to be a short document and would seek to guide partners. It was important to raise the profile of arts and culture in the city and work with partners to do this – the work to develop the new strategy would be undertaken with the Arts & Creative Industry Commission, who were key in terms of the governance of the work.

61.5      In response to Councillor O’Quinn it was clarified that a balance would be sought between the direction of this work and where the funding opportunities were – in particular as the government were looking to work on a regional approach which was a factor in the success of Greater Brighton.

61.6      In response to Councillor Greenbaum it was agreed that the timetable to undertake this work was ambitious; however, the Commission wanted the work to move quickly and had agreed additional meetings.

61.7      In response to Councillor Druitt it was noted that since the resignation of the previous Assistant Chief Executive (with responsibility for arts and culture) work had been undertaken to strengthen the prominence of culture in the structure of the authority, and this was highlighted in the name of the relevant directorate. An appointment had now been made to the vacant post, and links were also being sought through the new Health & Adult Services Director whom had a background in culture.

61.8      The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.

61.9      RESOLVED - That the Committee agrees that the City Council works with the Arts & Creative Industries Commission to develop a new Strategic Framework for Arts & Culture in the City.