The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “G”) which the Area Committee with an update regarding UK City of Culture 2025 and other work the council’s Culture & Events Team deliver, fund and support across Bradford South Constituency.

Recommended –

(1)       That the Area Committee note the content of Document “G”.

(2)       That the Area Committee suggests ways in which the Culture &           Events Team can increase the number of grant funding             applications received for events, festivals and cultural activities for         delivery in the Bradford South Constituency.

(3)       That the Area Committee suggests ways in which the Culture &           Events Team can engage with communities in Bradford South            Constituency in respect of further consultation on Culture is Our Plan.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration & Environment

(Nicola Greenan - 01274 431301)

The report of the Strategic Director Place (Document “G”) provided the Area Committee with an update regarding UK City of Culture 2025 and other work the council’s Culture & Events Team delivered, funded, and supported across Bradford South Constituency. The Strategic Lead for City of Culture (CofC) told the Committee that there was increasingly positive coverage surrounding City of Culture. The recruitment that had taken place to bring expertise into the team was highlighted. Members were informed that the Data Dashboard was expected to be completed and go live by the end of the year which would allow the public to see what events are on offer in the local area.

A Member asked how people would initially find out about the dashboard and was told that it was essential to identify any gaps and that work with neighbourhoods teams could improve outreach across the district.

The Strategic Lead was asked what the Data Dashboard would show other than events in the local area. The Committee were informed that the dashboard would also include case studies and that a pilot would be available prior to the dashboard going live.

A Member expressed concern surrounding the quality of an event that was held in Harold Park and stated that there was a need for further engagement with the community.

The Committee asked several questions about the Grants Programme such as where further information could be found so that Members could support local organisations and whether it would be possible to see unsuccessful bids so that groups could be given feedback and supported further. Members were told that further information could be circulated and that it would be possible to have sight of unsuccessful bids and acknowledged that this could be beneficial.

A Member asked how local organisations were supported during the application process and was informed that there were several information sessions available which focussed on what a successful bid looks like.

The Strategic Lead was asked where the decisions surrounding which grants were approved was made and whether there was any consultation with local ward councillors. The Strategic Lead explained that a small internal team made the decisions and that at present there was no consultation with local ward councillors.

Resolved –

(1)           That the Area Committee note the content of Document “G”.

(2)      That the Area Committees’ suggestions on ways in which the     Culture & Events Team can increase the number of grant funding applications received for events, festivals and cultural activities for delivery in the Bradford South Constituency be taken on         board.

(3)      That the Area Committees’ suggestions on ways in which the     Culture & Events Team can engage with communities in Bradford           South Constituency in respect of further consultation on Culture    is Our Plan be taken on board.

(4)      That officers be thanked attending the meeting and for their        candid responses to Members’ questions.

(5)      That the Committee be presented with another progress report in 12 months’ time.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration & Environment

(Nicola Greenan – 01274 431301)