Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED – That the Public Art Guidance as set out at Appendix A to the Report be adopted.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To issue guidance that would allow TWBC to obtain funding for Public Art programming from upcoming major developments.

Jeremy Kimmel, Audience Development Manager introduced the report to seek approval for the Public Art Guidance to be adopted as an official guidance document that included the following:

-       The aim of the Guidance was to help define what was meant by Public Art and what would be expected from developers in terms of Public Art commitments with S106 contributions.

-       A six week public consultation had taken place.

-       Confident that the Guidance sets out an ambitious but realistic expectations of contributions towards Public Art.

Discussion included the following comments:

-       Perception that Public Art was confined to statues and paintings etc. But it was a much more.  Additional funding would allow the message to go out to a much wider audience.

-       Each case would be looked at individually based on the requirements of the development taking place.

-       It would cover the entirety of the Borough and would respond to the needs of  the Community – The guidance was not intended to be prescriptive. 

-       S106 contributions would be in addition and would not be diverted from other good causes.

-       Taking art out to the rural communities would be of great benefit and was welcomed.

RESOLVED – That the Public Art Guidance as set out at Appendix A to the Report be adopted.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To issue guidance that would allow TWBC to obtain funding for Public Art programming from upcoming major developments.

To consider and provide a recommendation to Cabinet on the proposals set out in the attached report.

Jeremy Kimmel, Audience Development Manager, introduced the report which included the following points:

·         Public consultation undertaken between 1 July and 16 August 2019.  Minor amendments followed, but overall, general support for the guidance was received.

·         If the Guidance was adopted, work would continue with the Planning Department to create appropriate processes for the use of monies received from Section 106 funds for the purpose of delivering Public Art that offered best value for money.

·         If approved, it would take effect immediately following Full Council on 24 October 2019.

Discussion included the following points:

·         Following a concern that the money allocated to Public Art could be diverted towards building costs (e.g. Amelia Scott), it was confirmed that this was not its intention. Money was intended for programmes that would increase arts provision rather than for physical capital construction work.

·         Guidance would seek to promote the use of local talent, and the encouragement of a wider audience that would offer the best potential to benefit the economy of the community.

·         The wider audience would include liaison with the Planning Committee, artist networks, adverts on Council portals and commissioning portals, with an assurance that local businesses were able to access those portals. Where appropriate there would be opportunities for engagement with local schools.

RESOLVED – That the recommendation set out in the report be supported.