Issue - meetings

That Cabinet:

a)       approve the proposal for music development through use of the existing community plan objectives budget within the Heritage & Culture Business Unit; and

b)       acknowledge the requirement for a carry forward into 2025/26 to complete delivery of the proposals

The Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture & the Arts presented a report which updated Members on the progress with music development in the District. During the budget setting process an additional £80,000 was included in the budget for additional activity in this area. In May 2024 the first ‘Alive with Music’ event was held with a follow up event in October. At the second event the Business Manager – Heritage & Culture presented draft proposals for strategic music development for feedback.

The report included at Appendix A, draft proposals with indicative costings at Appendix B. Key elements included the recruitment of a temporary freelance music network co-ordinator to drive this work forward. The draft proposal included the creation of a Newark & Sherwood music Forum which would bring interested parties together to co-create opportunities for collaboration. The proposals covered a six-month period extending into 2025/26.

 AGREED (with 6 votes for and 1 against) that Cabinet:

a)       approve the proposal for music development through use of the existing community plan objectives budget within the Heritage & Culture Business Unit; and

b)       acknowledge the requirement for a carry forward into 2025/26 to complete delivery of the proposals

Reasons for Decision:

These recommendations align to objective 7 of the Community Plan – to celebrate and invigorate community spirit, pride of place and a sense of belonging – and in particular the actions to ‘champion and promote the arts, culture and heritage through the enjoyment of music and arts’ and to ‘explore opportunities for having themed music and art events that focus on individual communities that celebrate diversity in the district’.

Options Considered:

The revised Community Plan, 2023-27, placed an increased emphasis on music in the district and this was supported with additional, non-recurring money in 2024/2025.  Doing nothing was therefore not deemed to be a viable option, whilst the nature of the funding meant it was not possible to recruit permanent resources.