Issue - meetings

To consider the preparation required for National Portfolio Organisation funding from Arts Council England (report of the Assistant Director for Economic Growth).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director for Economic Growth which asked the Cabinet to consider the preparation required for National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding from Arts Council England.

The Portfolio Holder for People, Places and Economy presented the report which confirmed investment by the Arts Council England (ACE) of £651,993 per annum over the next three years to the S&ELCP.  The Assistant Director for Economic Growth and her team were thanked for their work on this bid.

Feedback from ACE was attached at Appendix A and identified areas of work expected to be preserved within the updated Activity plan included:

·       Programmes of work with schools and young people;

·       Digitisation of collections;

·       Working across heritage and museum sites to enable stronger cultural programming including a focus on heritage within arts;

·       Engagement with the new Cultural Strategy;

·       Embedding approaches to supporting the involvement of children and young people.

In line with the application, ACE expected the development of three Creative Hubs to help deliver the activity and the establishment of a Culture Board to oversee the programme.  East Lindsey District Council would be the lead authority and accountable body for the Partnership’s NPO investment, with a focus on three hubs – Boston Guildhall (Boston Borough Council), Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens (South Holland District Council) and the Colonnade at Sutton on Sea (East Lindsey District Council).

DECISION:           

1)    That it be agreed that East Lindsey District Council be authorised to act as the Accountable Body for the fund that has been awarded, and that necessary arrangements for its delivery be made;

2)    That the use of Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens as a Cultural Hub, and any necessary in-kind contributions to support the delivery of the programme, be approved; and

3)    That the Activity Plan be noted, and delegated authority given to the Assistant Director – Economic Growth, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to modify and approve future plans.

(Other options considered:

·       The application to Arts Council England was a competitive process and the funding award was based on the commitment to deliver the Activity Plan.  Funding would not be awarded, or could be withdrawn if the Council did not support the proposals;

Reasons for decision:

·       To meet Arts Council England requirements to access annual funding allocations through the National Portfolio Organisation funding, and to enable Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens to be a Cultural Hub).