Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Ian Watson, Head of Cultural Services, David Blackett, Cultural Services Development Manager, Paul Kelly, Arts and Regeneration Officer, Alex Walker, Head of Arts and Heritage from Preston City Council, Joe Sumsion, Director of the Duke's Theatre in Lancaster, and Mandy Precious, Director of Burnley Youth Theatre to the meeting.

It was reported that Arts Council England (ACE) had issued information about funding for 2012-2015 for its National Portfolio of Organisations (NPO). The Committee was informed that the Arts Council had undergone a strategic re-modelling of its funding arrangements which had had far-reaching effects on arts organisations within Lancashire in comparison to the North-West. It was hoped that the presentations by the organisations invited to the Committee would reflect the impact of the Arts Council's decision to re-model its funding arrangements and how the county council might take the matter forward.

Paul Kelly delivered a presentation on ACE and the arts infrastructure of Lancashire.  It was explained that ACE had devised a ten year strategy called, "Achieving Great Art for Everyone". However, it was reported that there had been a 29.6% reduction in monies available for funding over the next four years. Along with the new strategy, ACE had also established a new 'National Portfolio Organisation' funding process whereby bids for funding were open to all. It was reported that 1300 applications had been received nationally with only 695 being approved. The impact all these changes had on Lancashire meant that the current regular funded organisations had taken a 6.9% reduction in funding for 2011/12. From 2012/13 Six organisations would see their funding reduced entirely, whilst the majority of those who were to receive funding would be on a reduced basis from previous year's allocations. It was also reported that for 2012/13, Lancashire would see a 45.1% reduction in funding secured.

Comparisons of data were made against neighbouring authorities' investments in the north west region. It was stated that whilst Lancashire had 20% of the total population within the region, it was calculated that investment from ACE for national portfolio organisations accounted for only 4% of that invested in the region.

Some positive aspects on funding for the arts were reported which included; a forecast that Arts Lottery income would rise over the next four years, a transition fund of £47K from ACE had been placed with the county council, the Preston Guild event had secured a £300K award and the organisation 'Curious Minds' based in Lancashire had been identified as a 'Bridge Organisation' bringing an additional £4.16m to the region over the next three years. A list of questions was presented to the Committee for consideration on the future of the arts in Lancashire. These were:

·  Where do we want to be in 4 years time?

·  Should we have an arts infrastructure vision for the county with a strategic plan to support this?

·  What do we want the arts infrastructure to look like?

·  Home grown talent, external bodies coming in?

·  How should we manage transition support and target ongoing LCC investment? How do we better connect with the districts?

·  Where is the artistic ambition in Lancashire: the opportunities?

·  Where’s the new blood - new artists / collectives?

·  How can we ensure increased GFA project funding into Lancashire?

·  Where is the Arts leadership in Lancashire?

·  Who are our Arts Champions outside the sector?

·  Are we conveying the right messages about the Arts and the economic potential for Lancashire?

Joe Sumsion gave a presentation to the Committee on the Dukes Theatre at Lancaster. The Committee was informed that The Dukes received annual investment from three core funding partners namely; ACE, the county council and Lancaster City Council. It was their ambition for the theatre to become a centre of excellence for young people in Lancashire. Whilst the theatre primarily invested in young people, it was also a key employer, provided support for creative businesses and attracted investment from other sources.

However, it was reported that whilst ACE and other organisations recognised the recent success of The Dukes, the level of investment from ACE for 2012 would be the equivalent to their investment received in 2001. Also, The Dukes had been identified as a NPO by ACE and, therefore, could no longer apply for 'grants for the arts' post 2012. The impact of which, would result in fewer productions and reduced staffing.

On moving forward, The Dukes was looking to; promote itself further as a successful organisation, develop a vision for arts and culture in Lancashire and to work with ACE to help realise their vision.

Mandy Precious gave a presentation to the Committee on the Burnley Youth Theatre. The Committee was informed that the theatre was established by parents in 1973 and subsequently became a registered charity in 1997. The theatre was one of two purpose built facilities in the UK and its core business was self-sustained through contributions. The theatre worked with approximately 450 young people per week, delivering 23 workshops and an additional ten to 20 workshops in outreach locations per week.

It was felt that the theatre was successful in securing funding from ACE for a number of reasons including; that it reflected the community it served, was a hub of good practice, provided training and paid placements and was a developing venue.

Alex Walker delivered a presentation on the Harris Museum and Art Gallery at Preston. The Committee was informed that the museum housed some of the finest art collections in the north west. As well as containing historical material the museum also ran a contemporary programme of works and installations.

The Committee was informed that the museum was recognised for its temporary exhibition programme and international work. Visitor numbers had doubled over the past five years. Successful partnerships had also been established between the county council and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) working jointly on matters relating to access and education.

With regard to funding, it was reported that the museum had in the past secured Renaissance funding from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) which had provided the necessary monies to fund ten or eleven staff. However, concern was expressed surrounding the future of Renaissance funding due to the initiative being transferred to ACE in the near future. The outcome of which would be critical for the museum.

It was reported that the museum was not a regularly funded organisation. A recent application for National Portfolio funding had been unsuccessful. As a result of which, the museum and UCLAN had developed a programme of work to identify sources of regular funding. It was also reported that the museum had received a number of 'grants for the arts' over the years and was now in the process of submitting an application for a three year 'grants for the arts' award.

The Committee was informed that officers from Preston City Council were looking to enter into discussions with the county council on matters relating to future funding arrangements.

In receiving the presentations the Chair suggested that a task group to look into arts funding be established. Furthermore, that a formal request be made to this Committee at its next meeting in September to allow sufficient time to develop the terms of reference for it so that the task group could commence its work as soon as practicable.

Councillors raised a number of questions and comments. A summary of which is provided below:

·  A question was asked in relation to how much money the county council spent on the arts and how much was given in grants to organisations per year. It was reported that the county council spent approximately £570K on the arts - £450K of which would go towards funding seven principal arts organisations in Lancashire. The remaining £120K would go towards funding projects.

·  One councillor made a comment that the arts were seen as a soft cut during periods of recession. There was concern that some amateur organisations would close down due to a lack of funding being directed to them.

·  Concern was expressed regarding reduction in schools' budgets for the arts and whether or not the county council was conveying the right message about what art and culture was. It was recognised that the arts contributed to many other areas including; health, education and quality of life. It was suggested that this matter could be looked into by the task group.

·  Councillors queried why certain districts within the county received funding and others didn't. The Committee was informed that funding for the arts by the county council was targeted to the more professionally established groups which happened to be based in those particular districts receiving investment. However, mention was made that amateur groups were normally funded by the district councils. It was suggested that Lancashire's ambition for the arts be looked into by the task group.

The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance and the presentations delivered to the Committee.

Resolved: That;

  i.  The Committee in receiving the presentations noted the report;

  ii.  The request for a task group on Arts Funding along with a draft terms of reference be presented at the next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee on the 9 September 2011 for consideration.