Agenda item

To consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk updating Members on the Sculpture in the City (SITC) programme and the successful delivery of the 14^th edition (2025-26). The Committee also noted the proposed outline for a change in ownership and delivery model for the SITC programme to transition from the City Corporation to a new Community Interest Company.

Noting section 14 of the main report in particular, Members commented that more detail would be welcome on any transfer to a CIC and on the mechanics of how any CIC would work ahead of any final move, as well providing further information on any financial implications – noting also that an in-principle decision is being sought. The meeting noted that the details are being carefully explored and that there are expected to be resource savings in any such transfer, noting in particular section 36 of the main report. The meeting heard that staff costs currently amount to c. £150K pa, and that the programme enjoys the contribution of partners (who are broadly in favour of a CIC model).  

Members commended the SITC programme and its position within the cultural strategy, and noted the expenditure involved in the programme. Members commented on the potential drawbacks of loss of control on the part of the CoLC in the event that the programme is transferred to a CIC model, particularly in view of the potential for the quality of the pieces and/or the artists to deteriorate, noting also that CoLC planning discretion would be retained. The Committee emphasised the importance of ensuring that the governance and oversight of any new CIC is appropriate and suitable, and asked that further information be brought to the Committee that explains whether the CoLC could retain a degree of control of the quality of the pieces if the programme moves to a CIC model without negatively impacting the flexibility. The meeting heard that external partners make a significant contribution to the programme and would reasonably expect to influence the programme to a proportionate extent.    

In response to a question on funding and feasibility, the meeting noted that the figures set out in appendix 2 are proposals for future expanded SITC programmes, and that responses from future new partners have been encouraging.

The Committee agreed to defer any in-principle decision until more clarity is available on option 3 as set out in the main report, to include in particular clarity on the governance and Board composition of any final transfer to a CIC model or any agreement to an in-principle transfer of the SITC programme to a CIC.