Minutes:
The Committee considered the presentation delivered by Councillor Rowan Cozens, the Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture & the Arts. Detailed within the presentation were a number of projects undertaken, together with information as to how these were resourced. These included: Daisy Exhibition over Newark Market Place; Book Themed Art Benches; Surfboard Art Installation; Music Around the Forest at Vicar Water Country Park; Polish Community assisting in Curating Local Exhibition at Newark Civil War Centre (NCWC); Alive with Music events; Installation of Community Designed Sculpture at Vicar Water; Photography Competition; Newark-on-Sea; Inflatable Whale Exhibition; Hidden History Walking Tours; Tour of Britain; Activities delivered by NPO; Equality, Equity & Diversity Inclusion Training for all staff; Learning and Participation Events for those with SEND; Restoration of Kiddey Stones; Changing Places Style Facility; and the Castle Gatehouse.
In considering the presentation, Members raised a number of queries. Two questions to the Portfolio Holder had been submitted prior to the meeting which had focused on the location of the events and that they appeared to be Newark centric. The Portfolio Holder advised that herself and Officers were actively trying to address this issue but noted that the Palace Theatre, Newark Castle and the NCWC were all based in Newark and as major assets, attracted specific funding. She added that the Alive with Music events had resulted in the development of conversations with residents in the west of district.
A Member acknowledged that whilst the Sherwood constituency did not have the aforementioned major attractions, in terms of visitor numbers, Sherwood Forest attracted a higher volume, suggesting that events to promote the Sherwood Forest experience and Robin Hood be held at the Visitor Centre. The Member also queried whether it was possible to loan bundles of artifacts, taken from the museum’s collection, to local schools. In response, the Portfolio Holder advised that she would speak with Officers in this regard.
A Member queried what the latest position was in relation to the appointment of the Senior Tourism & Visitor Economy Officer and how the Destination Management Plan was progressing. The Portfolio Holder advised that she would speak with Officers and provide a response after the meeting.
In referring to the two Alive with Music Events, a Member commented that he had attended both events and had been impressed with the subsequent discussions about the learning and practicing of music, querying how the Portfolio Holder saw the Council being able to assist in the gap created by the lack of funding for this type of activity in education. He noted that this type of learning easily transferred to skills required for future careers but not just in music. In response, the Portfolio Holder advised that there should be a celebration of what was already on offer and that this should be publicised.
In noting the presentation, a Member commented that there was no reference to the income generated by Sherwood Forest or the Showground, adding that the current spend on culture was too high. The Portfolio Holder stated that she would welcome a fuller conversation with the Member to address his comments. She added that years of austerity had led to a lack of funding for provision of the creative industry, especially for young people and that a continuation of this neglect would be against current trends in both education and Government.
In referring to the responses received to the Residents’ Survey, a Member noted that the Heritage, Culture & the Arts Portfolio was the lowest of their priorities. He also referred to the action within the Community Plan in relation to the displaying of artifacts outside of Newark and how this was progressing. In response, the Portfolio Holder commented that it was difficult to ask specific questions in the gathering of data. It was, however, possible to look at footfall and the number of views of an exhibition. It was also possible to view data captured by the Newark Towns Fund, noting that any responses to consultations were only as good as the questions asked and how the responses were interpretated. She added that there were officers who were Newark focused but that events could be held in the Sherwood constituency.
A Member noted that in the finals of the recent BBC Young Musician of the Year contest, none of the finalists had attended a state school. He queried as to what the Portfolio Holder thought was the impact on young people from the lack of funding. In response, the Portfolio Holder commented that schools had been starved of funding for music for a number of years. She added that the amount spent on sport provision should be reviewed, noting that funding would be made available if a talented athlete was identified but that this would not be the case for a talented musician.
In closing the debate, the Chair thanked the Portfolio Holder for her presentation and Members for their questions.
AGREED that Councillor Rowan Cozens, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture & the Arts be thanked for her attendance.