Agenda item

National Portfolio Organisations

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed County Councillor Peter Buckley, Cabinet Member for Communities and Cultural Services, and Andy Walker, Head of Service Business Growth and External Funding, to the meeting. The report presented detailed how work to support Arts Council designated and funded National Portfolio Organisations (NPO's) were being supported within Lancashire and the council's expectations for how the next round of National Portfolio Organisations funding may play out in Lancashire. A presentation was presented to the committee to support the report, a copy of which is attached to the minutes.

 

The Chair, on behalf of the committee, thanked the officers for the detailed report provided, and the presentation presented.

 

Comments and queries raised from the committee were as follows:

 

  • Due to cultural services being significant drivers of economic output in local communities, the committee was encouraged to see the link between cultural services and economic development, and the continuation of that relationship was emphasised.

 

  • The Creative Step Programme, which was an initiative designed to support and develop creative businesses and individuals within Lancashire, was highlighted for the valuable advice it provided to organisations. It was therefore suggested that more information on the Creative Step Programme, including details of its work and operations, be circulated to the committee.

 

  • Concerns were raised regarding the lack of investment and cultural events in areas such as Preston, and it was noted that the county council had introduced several initiatives, including Crowdfund Lancashire, which had attracted over £1.3 million for community projects across the county, including those within Preston.

 

  • Local Government was the largest investor of culture and the creative arts, and the committee highlighted the importance of ensuring the county council continues to support new organisations and assist in their growth.

 

  • The committee highlighted the need to maintain relations with district councils, and it was noted that the county council worked closely with the district councils, and the district council also had representation on Arts Lancashire, which was a collaborative network that supported and promoted the arts and cultural sector within Lancashire, as well as bringing together various stakeholders, including local authorities, arts organisations, and individual artists, to foster dialogue, share resources, and advocate for the arts. The committee requested more information to be circulated on Creative Lancashire and Arts Lancashire, including what the county council's involvement in those two organisations were.

 

  • The Chair read out comments submitted by County Councillor John Shedwick, Deputy Chair of the Committee, who was unable to attend the meeting. The Deputy Chair was encouraged at the inclusion of 8 new organisations in the Lancashire portfolio, in addition to the 10 existing recipients, and the Deputy Chair noted that Creative Lancashire was collaborating with individuals and organisations on other Arts Council England's Investment Programmes and place-based propositions for Historic England and National Heritage Lottery Fund Programmes.

 

  • The committee explored the idea of using funds from the proceeds of crime to involve more young people in arts and other activities as a way to combat anti-social behaviour. They noted that the previous Police and Crime Commissioner had invited local groups to apply for money from a proceeds of crime fund, which had raised £600,000 from criminal asset seizures for community causes, including cultural events. It was suggested that the committee write to the current Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure this scheme continues.

 

The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member and officers for their presentation and for answering the committees' questions.

 

Resolved: That:

 

  1. A briefing note be provided to the committee providing more information on:

 

  1. Creative Lancashire and Arts Lancashire, including what the county council’s involvement with these organisations were.
  2. The Creative Step Programme, outlining its work and operations.

 

  1. The Cabinet Member for Communities and Cultural Services gives consideration to writing a letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner to seek support and continuation of the Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund.

Supporting documents: