Agenda item

Report of the Director of Culture, Heritage and Libraries.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Culture, Heritage and Libraries in respect of the 2016 Grant for the City of London Festival.  During the discussion on this item, the following matters were raised/noted:

This year’s Festival had record sold out performances and the exact figures would be available next week.   Members noted that the cost had been reduced this year but given the event’s profile and need to attract sponsorship,  they accepted that it should not be scaled back too far.  The Director of the City of London Festival was in attendance and reminded Members that grant giving has been cut considerably, particularly by the Arts Council for grants in London.

Members were disappointed that, following technical problems, the Bowler Hat had not been used this year but alternative sites were being considered for next year.  Members suggested that officers hold a workshop over the summer recess, in order to discuss the strategic direction of the 2016 Festival and submit a further report to the September Committee. 

RESOLVED – That a decision to agree the funding for the 2016 Festival (a grant of £355,825 to the City Arts Trust, comprising a core grant of £274,725 plus £81,100 for free events and the winter series) be delegated to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee. The decision will be based on confirmation of the robustness of the financial position through the receipt of a satisfactory report on the financial outturn of the 2015 Festival, including full responses to any reasonable queries arising out of that report, and an assessment of the 2016 budget plans.