To consider the approval of the Cultural Framework (Strategy) and the Action Plan for East Lindsey.

Appendix A - Cultural Framework for Renewal is to follow.

1.            That the formal adoption of the Cultural Framework for Renewal be supported and approval of the final document be confirmed;

2.         That in consultation with the Portfolio Holders, Councillor Kirk and Councillor Grist, that final amendments be incorporated and the final document be published on the Council website;

3.            That the extension of the work to reflect the Partnership with South Holland be supported;

.

4.            That the submission of the Expression of Interest for National Portfolio Organisation status and the Cultural Development Fund bid with Arts Council England be noted.

 A report was presented that provided the background information on the development of a new Cultural Framework for Boston and East Lindsey.  The Cultural Framework for investment established an ambitious vision for culture, which connected to heritage and the visitor economy and contributed to people’s health and wellbeing, as well as supporting environmental sustainability and the local cultural ecosystem.

The Framework document was shared with Executive Board for approval and adoption.

Members noted that during the development of the Framework there had been an opportunity to submit an Expression of Interest for National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status and a Cultural Development Fund bid with Arts Council England.

The Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy advised it was time for a refresh of all things cultural in East Lindsey and Boston across the two districts.  The paper was straightforward and requested adoption of the Cultural Framework for renewal and in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for the Rural Economy for the final document to be published on the Council website. 

The Assistant Director for Economic Growth highlighted the recommendations, including the extension of work to reflect the Partnership into South Holland.  In addition, it was noted that two place-based Actions Plans at the conclusion of the document underpinned the approach to the new funding streams available through the levelling up white paper. 

Further reference was made to:

·       Key projects that had been submitted to the levelling up fund for Alford and Spilsby;

·       Work on the UK Shared Prosperity;

·       The potential of further Arts Council funding through expression of interest to have NPO status;

·       Cultural Development Fund – an expression of interest had been successful and the deadline for submission of a full bid was 18^th November 2022, this included the renewal of Skegness Pier and the redevelopment of the Embassy Theatre to create a culture house alongside Magna Vitae.

The Chairman of Executive Board advised this had massive implications of economic development and was also pleased to see the potential for our market towns. 

RESOLVED

1.              That the formal adoption of the Cultural Framework for Renewal be supported and approval of the final document be confirmed;

2.       That in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Market Towns and the Rural Economy and Coastal Economy, that final amendments be incorporated and the final document be published on the Council website;

3.               That the extension of the work to reflect the Partnership with South Holland be supported;

.

4.               That the submission of the Expression of Interest for National Portfolio Organisation status and the Cultural Development Fund bid with Arts Council England be noted.

Reasons:

A formally adopted Cultural Strategy and agreement of priority actions will provide East Lindsey District Council with the cultural principles to be reflected in each place. In addition, the Cultural Framework will support funding applications, increase engagement with art and culture and facilitate greater connectivity with Art and Cultural organisations.

It had already provided the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership with the opportunity to submit an Expression of Interest to seek to secure National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status and associated funding from Arts Council England. It has also supported the application to Arts Council England for a Cultural Development Fund Expression of Interest proposal for Skegness.

The ambition of the Framework and associated NPO status supports a wider cultural and place-based approach to regeneration, in line with the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper and links culture with community engagement to support our Partnership objectives.

Other options:

Arts Council England has provided the funding to create the Cultural Framework, therefore it is a requirement of the funding to produce the strategic document.