Agenda item

This provides information on the Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations which BCP Council supports. The report provides information on their funding, objectives and details the important link between culture, health and wellbeing in line with the corporate strategy.

The Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communication and Culture presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The report provided an overview of the Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) supported by BCP Council, including their funding arrangements and the strategic importance of their work in relation to health, wellbeing, and the Council’s corporate objectives. A number of issues were raised in discussion of this issue including:

·       It was clarified that Soundstorm had now become the cultural hub, providing a range of services and developing the partnership between schools and cultural orgnisations.

·       The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) work in schools was highlighted as particularly valuable, offering pupils opportunities to engage with music and develop teamwork skills. Members expressed concern that not all schools may be accessing these opportunities and suggested that wider participation should be encouraged.

·       An offer was made for representatives from the BSO and Lighthouse to meet with members of the Board, which was welcomed. Members felt this would be a valuable opportunity to better understand the organisations’ work and their contribution to the community.

·       It was noted that BCP was not currently a priority area for Arts Council England funding. Members discussed the importance of the Council’s financial support in helping to leverage additional funding from other sources, especially as national funding was expected to reduce in the future. The Portfolio Holder emphasised that BCP’s continued investment sends a strong signal to external funders.

·       The Board was informed that NPOs were required to submit quarterly reports to the Arts Council, and that these were also shared with the local authority. However, it was noted that there had been some inconsistency in officer oversight, with three different lead officers for NPOs in recent years. Members welcomed the recent appointment of a new lead officer and the move towards more stable oversight.

·       Members discussed the impact assessment for the Arts by the Sea Festival and were advised that these assessments are carried out annually. It was confirmed that Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) would have been completed for any changes to funding decisions. Although direct funding for the festival had been removed from the 2026/27 budget, a staffing commitment remained in place, and plans were being developed for a more community-based version of the festival in future years. Some members expressed disappointment at the withdrawal of funding and emphasised the festival’s accessibility and value to residents.

·       Members also raised the issue of other cultural events falling under the Council’s events team rather than the culture portfolio, and the need for clarity on how these are supported and communicated.

·       A request was made for future reports to include the proportion of total funding represented by BCP’s contributions to each NPO, to provide better context for decision-making. Members felt this would help in understanding the scale of the Council’s investment relative to other sources.

RESOLVED:

1. That the O&S Board recognise the value of the NPOs funded by BCP to Health and well-being youth and the local economy and urge Cabinet to protect the funding BCP currently provides.
2. That the O&S Board recommend that Cabinet endorse the work that's been done with schools by the NPOs and recommends that Cabinet take action to encourage all schools to take part.
3. That the O&S Board recommend to Cabinet to explore whether it would be a benefit for a Councillor to be appointed as a member of the Board on any or all of the NPO organisations, and

Voting: Nem Con

4.  That the O&S Board recommend to Cabinet that it ensures that the arts by sea festival goes ahead next year.

Voting: 7 in favour, 1 against, 4 abstentions

The meeting adjourned at 8.50pm and resumed at 9.01pm

Cllr Walters and Weight left the meeting