To consider the proposed Arts and Culture Strategy

Shirley Boyt declared an interest in this item, and therefore did not participate in the discussions.

The Committee received a report, set out in agenda pages 11 to 24, which set out the proposed Arts & Culture strategy for the Borough.

The report outlined the consultation that had been undertaken regarding the proposed strategy, and the changes that had been made as a result. Some of the changes included contextualising the strategy within the frame of the Covid-19 (C-19) pandemic, reference to the declared climate emergency including a commitment to ensure that the aspiration to be carbon neutral is fully factored in to implementation plans and related activities, and the inclusion of one of a desired outcome being that of new and enhanced cultural venues.

Charlotte Haitham Taylor (Executive Member for Regeneration), Grant Thornton (Senior Specialist Economic Prosperity & Place), and Robin Cops (Vice Chair of the Arts & Culture Alliance) attended the meeting to answer Member queries.

During the ensuing discussions, Members raised the following points and queries:

·           Would the northern Parishes be included in the Arts and Cultural Alliance (ACA)? Executive Member response – The ACA would welcome the contribution of the northern Parishes, as well as all other areas of the Borough. All Town and Parish Councils had been contacted as part of the development of the proposed policy, and it was hoped that more communities within the Borough would join the ACA as time progressed.

·           Were we reaching out to people of an older generation? Executive Member response – The consultation had seen a far greater response rate from people of an older generation rather than those from a younger generation. As such, part of the action plan involved reaching out to younger people was seen to be a key action moving forward. The action plan had picked up issues including social isolation of older people, and therefore aimed to reach out to such individuals.

·           It was noted that the ACA really valued the local knowledge from within specific communities, and welcomed engagement from across the Borough.

·           It was noted that the proposed strategy was a framework, which aimed to identify gaps in the current support and provision of arts and cultural events, institutions and communities across the Borough.

·           Which were the five Town and Parish Councils that had responded to the consultation? Officer response – A conclusive list would be provided outside of the meeting.

·           Winnersh Parish Council would like to be involved in the ACA, was this planned? Executive Member response – All Towns and Parishes were welcomed and encouraged to get involved, and this included Winnersh.

·           What considerations and adaptations had been made to the proposed strategy as a result of the C-19 pandemic? Executive Member response – Both the strategy and the action plan had been adapted throughout the course of the pandemic. Both the strategy and the action plan will be reviewed every 6 months during the pandemic and recovery stage, and then every year afterwards.

·           How was the proposed strategy being prioritised against other WBC services? Executive Member response – There were lots of officers working on various aspects of the proposed strategy and action plan. The strategy had ties across many WBC services including economic development, adult social care, libraries, and children’s services. As such, the strategy was not seeking to compete with these services, but instead enhance them.

·           Where did the ownership of the ACA sit? Executive Member response – The document itself was owned by WBC, however this was a true alliance and it was therefore a community centric strategy.

·           Would the title of the strategy be changed to 2021-2031 as it was a ten year strategy? Officer response – Yes, this would be amended.

·           What level of support was needed from WBC to support the ACA? Executive Member and Vice Chair of the ACA response – The current arts and cultural officer was a major start, as it provided a dedicated budget to support the strategy. In addition, there was support from various officer across the Council. Both the Council and the working group were ambitious, and resource was being pulled from various areas of the Council, though it was not specifically allocated. The extra resourcing worked well as it benefitted the community in ways including health and wellbeing, whilst progressing the ACA and the proposed strategy.

·           It was noted that all areas of the Borough should be included within the ACA.

·           It was noted that the ACA meant that a programme of ongoing outreach would be undertaken. Members were urged to get in touch if they knew of organisations or individuals who would like to get involved. It was noted that the Woodley Town Centre Management initiative had already been involved.

·           All involved were thanked by the Committee for the comprehensive report, and the steps made to fulfilling parts of the overarching vision for the Wokingham Town Centre regeneration to become a cultural hub.

·           What support would arts and cultural organisations require from WBC after the C-19 pandemic? Executive Member and Vice Chair of the ACA response – Organisations wanted a ‘can-do’ attitude from WBC. There had been a good history of tremendous support from WBC officers and many Members, and it was hoped that this would continue. Any outreach that WBC could offer to involve more young people would be greatly appreciated. WBC communications officers, sports and leisure staff, and library staff were sued as a resource to help groups and organisations put on events and get people involved. The ‘WOCCA’ app was available to help promote events across the Borough, and all residents should be encouraged to download it to know what is going on in their area and across the whole Borough.

·           It was noted that a film studio was planned within the Borough, subject to planning permission. If approved and built, this would put the Borough on the map as a true hub for art and culture.

·           The Chairman requested that the proposed strategy and action plan be added to the Committee’s work programme on an annual basis, in order to monitor delivery and assist in making the Borough a hub for arts and culture.

·           The Committee offered their support for the proposed strategy and action plan, and thanked all those involved in its development and future implementation.

RESOLVED That:

1)     Charlotte Haitham Taylor, Grant Thornton and Robin Cops be thanked for attending the Committee;

2)     A list of the five Town and Parish Councils that had responded to the consultation be provided;

3)     The title of the strategy be amended to make reference to 2021-2031;

4)     An update be provided to the Committee on an annual basis in order to monitor delivery and assist in making the Borough a hub for arts and culture;

5)     The strategy be commended to the Executive.