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:
- A briefing note be provided to the
committee providing more information on:
- Creative Lancashire and Arts
Lancashire, including what the county council’s involvement
with these organisations were.
- The Creative Step Programme,
outlining its work and operations.
- 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.