Issue - meetings

The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Health and Community which sought to endorse the draft Arts Policy and Strategy Review which was appended to the report.

Members were advised that the Council had produced its Cultural Strategy in 2001. At the time it was one of the first in the Country and held up as an example of good practice.

Subsequently it became a requirement to produce a Cultural Strategy as part of the Best Value process, but this requirement was removed in 2006, accepting that Culture should be embedded in the Community Strategy.

It was further noted that in 2007, Culture and Leisure Services undertook an assessment Towards an Excellent Service (TAES) that was externally validated by the IDeA.

During this assessment TAES highlighted that the Cultural Strategy had not been refreshed since 2001. As the Authority had developed a separate Sports Strategy, and given that there was no longer a Best Value requirement, TAES suggested that an Arts Strategy be developed.

Members were advised that Culture and Leisure Services were able to employ a Consultant, funded by the Arts Council to help produce an Arts Strategy. The brief for the consultation was to produce and practical working document, with action plans that would be constantly reviewed and updated.

Members were advised that the Employment, Learning and Skills Policy and Performance Board had discussed the Policy and Review and had recommended it to the Executive Board for approval.

Alternatives considered: 

To have no strategy, but this would be contrary to IDEA advice.

Reason for decision: 

To comply with good practice.

Implementation date: 

1st April 2009

RESOLVED: That the Arts Policy and Strategy Review be endorsed.