Agenda item

Paul Bristow, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Arts Council England, introduced the item. It was noted that Laura Dyer, Executive Director for Arts Council England, was unable to attend and sent her apologies.

Members were asked for views on the refreshed statement of purpose between the LGA and the Arts Council. In light of local government’s ability to help with policy developments and as local leaders on culture, local authorities were the Arts Council’s most important strategic partners.

The potential impact of business rates retention and devolution on both organisations was discussed and how to adapt approaches in view of this. It was emphasised that the Arts Council would be keen to engage with combined authorities as devolution deals developed and it became clear which aspects of devolution would support the arts and culture.

Grants for the arts were discussed. Members were advised that the 2015-2018 funding cycle was currently ongoing and preparations for the 2018-2022 cycle were beginning (the cycle was being extended from 3 years to 4). Libraries would soon have the opportunity to apply for a wider ange of grants (the scheme would be renamed grants for the arts and culture). The Arts Council were considering how they could encourage applicant to support the creative industries and how funding streams could relate to place-based opportunities.

Arts Council funded projects were discussed - both the ‘Great Place Scheme’ and the ‘Cultural Citizens Programme’, would give individuals and places the opportunity to engage in arts and culture. Members were also notified about the ongoing Arts Council Tailored Review which would examine the Arts Council’s efficiency. The organisation’s partners would be encouraged to respond to this. 

The board was also informed that a paper on the issues and opportunities Brexit presented had been taken to the Arts Council’s National Council. The effects on the economy, freedom of movement, copyright and intellectual property and the impact on organisations touring abroad had been discussed. The Council’s Chief Executive would speak on Brexit and key policy areas affected in due course.

In the discussion which followed, members made the following points:

·         Members emphasised that the partnership between the Arts Council and Local Government Association was valued.

·         Members asked if libraries would be able to apply for project grants before the 2018 funding cycle began. They were assured that libraries could currently apply for grants - there would simply be a separate funding section for libraries post 2017.

·         Members discussed the impact of 100% business rate retention on the funding of the culture and the opportunities this may or may not present. There was concern that this area would be under continued pressure.

·         There was concern that some areas (such as CGI animation) relied on arts education to fund them and keep them accessible. Members were advised that the Arts Council were working with government on this and had commissioned work to look into GCSE take up and diversity of arts-based careers.

·         Members asked what the deadline for Cultural Citizens Programme was and whether applications for this had now closed.

·         There was a discussion on funding challenges for smaller communities and the problems councils now faced in matching funding with the Arts Council for local projects. Some communities would have less exposure to culture as a result. Members were advised that Arts Council and the LGA would need to work together to find alternative sources of funding. It would be easier for the Arts Council to invest in the locality if local government was supportive of the arts and culture.

·         Members discussed Brexit and the funds which would no longer be paid into the EU, and whether the Arts Council could be involved in the criteria for the distribution of these funds.

·         Members asked if the Arts Council had or would alter the composition of regional offices or staffing in the context of devolution, and were assured that ACE’s structures are already decentralised

·         In a response to a query on the relationship between the LGA and the Arts Council, members were assured that regular meetings took place between LGA and Arts Council officers. Most recently, the LGA and Arts Council had shared the Autumn Statement lobbying lines.

·         There was a discussion on the Arts Council’s relationships with local authorities and how this worked within the context of limited funding opportunities. Members were advised that the Arts Council were looking at new ways of working with local government and focusing on places where engagement in the arts was at a low level.

Decision:

1.    Members agreed the draft Arts Council England and LGA Shared Statement of Purpose.

Actions:

1.    Paul Bristow to clarify the deadline for the Cultural Citizens Programme.

2.    Officers to take forward work as directed by members.