Development (Arts) Sub-Committee 3 May 2006
From Nigov
Wednesday, 3rd May, 2006
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT (ARTS) SUB-COMMITTEE
Members present: Councillor Kelly (Chairman); the High Sheriff (Councillor Humphrey); and Councillors Adamson, Cobain, Cunningham, Hartley, Kirkpatrick, Lavery, Maginness, P. Maskey, Stalford
- In attendance:
- Mrs S. McNicholl (Head of Urban Development);
- Ms P. Morrow (Culture and Arts Manager);
- Mr R. Heslip (Culture and Heritage Officer);
- Ms L. Holmes (Cultural Communications Officer);
- Ms D. Robb (Arts Development Officer); and
- Miss L. Hillick (Committee Administrator).
Apologies
Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Long and McCausland.
Minutes
The minutes of the meetings of 5th and 11th April were taken as read and signed as correct.
Festivals Funding
The Sub-Committee agreed to note the contents of a report (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) in relation to the distribution of funding through the Community Festivals Fund, which had been established by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure to support festivals throughout Northern Ireland.
Rolling Programme to Support Innovation in Culture and Arts
The Culture and Arts Manager reminded the Sub-Committee that, at its meeting on 2nd November, 2005, it had agreed to the implementation of the Rolling Programme to Support Innovation in Culture and Arts for the financial year 2006/2007.
She pointed out that the purpose of the Programme was to assist arts or heritage organisations to avail of opportunities which would arise during the year, including those which were submitted after the closing date for Annual Funding or Multi Annual Funding applications. Grants awarded through the Scheme would range from £250 to £3,000.
She reported that three applications for funding under the terms of the Programme had been received. The Sub-Committee considered the undernoted recommendations in relation to applications for funding under the Programme:
|Organisation |Event |Amount |Recommendation | | | |Requested | | |Belfastfolk |Folk Music Revival event |£2,790 |Do not support - insufficient | | | | |information supplied | |Green Shoot Productions |Production of a play entitled |£3,000 |Agree to award the funding requested | | |"Holding Hands at Paschendale" | | | |Visonic Productions Limited |Production of a sound and vision|£3,000 |Agree to award the funding requested | | |event | | |
After discussion, the Sub-Committee adopted the recommendations as outlined above.
Listed Building
The Sub-Committee considered the undernoted report in relation to a planning application in connection with a proposed development at Bedford Street.
A discussion ensued, during which a Member pointed out that, as the Ewart building was an important landmark and located within the Linen Conservation area, every effort should be made to ensure that the building was preserved. A further Member pointed out, in view of the fact that the proposed development would impact adversely on the Ulster Hall, that the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Halls Board should be made aware of the proposal.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed that its views be submitted to the Town Planning Committee and that that Committee be requested to obtain at a future meeting, to which the Members of the Development (Arts) Sub-Committee would be invited to attend, a presentation from the developers in relation to its proposals for the site.
Switch Room Galleries
The Culture and Arts Manager informed the Sub-Committee that correspondence had been received from Robinson McIlwaine Architects requesting financial assistance in connection with the structural fit-out of The Switch Room Galleries, a managed arts space located at 84-94 Great Patrick Street.
The Culture and Arts Manager proceeded to outline the proposed works and the associated budget and pointed out that the organisation had indicated that financial support in the sum of £25,000 would be obtained from the Laganside Corporation and the Arts and Business organisation respectively. She stated that, whilst the provision of additional arts space within the City was welcomed, the Sub-Committee did not have a budget for expenditure on capital projects and the development of this venue was outside the programme of support provided to arts and heritage organisations. Accordingly, she recommended that the Sub-Committee agree not to accede to the request which had been received from Robinson McIlwaine Architects.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
Ormeau Baths Gallery
The Sub-Committee considered a report in relation to the outcome of a meeting in connection with the Ormeau Baths Gallery which had been held between the Chairman (Councillor Kelly), the Deputy Chairman (Councillor Kirkpatrick) and the Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, together with the Culture and Arts Manager and the Arts Development Officer.
The Culture and Arts Manager pointed out that, during the meeting, the Council’s position had been outlined and, in particular, the fact that no additional funding would be available from the Council and, subject to a satisfactory plan for education, development and outreach work being established, the grant from the Council in the sum of £23,000 which was being withheld currently, would be allocated towards that work. She stated that the Arts Council had accepted that no further monies would be available. However, it would endeavour to keep the Council up to date on developments and involve representatives in any discussions in relation to the future of the Gallery. Accordingly, the Arts Council had invited a representative from the Sub-Committee to a meeting on 8th May in order to discuss the way forward.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed that the Chairman (Councillor Kelly) (or her nominees) and the Culture and Arts Manager be authorised to attend the meeting on 8th May and that the attendance thereat be considered as an approved duty.
Arts and Business Skills Audit and Training Schedule
The Sub-Committee agreed to note the contents of a report in relation to the Arts and Business Skills Audit and Training Schedule for Arts Annual Funding clients.
Urban Spaces Conference Feedback
The Sub-Committee was reminded that the Development Committee, at its meeting on 15th February, had agreed that the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman participate in the Impact of Cultural Activity on the Development and Use of Urban Spaces Conference, which had been held in Sardinia during the period from 23rd till 25th March.
The Culture and Arts Manager reported that the Conference had provided a platform for the exchange of ideas at a European level, had developed a participatory approach to the creation and use of public spaces and, based on the success and valuable experience gained from attendance at the Conference, the Northern Ireland Centre for European Operation at the University of Ulster was considering currently the holding of a similar conference in Belfast. She recommended that, once the date had been confirmed for the event to be held in Belfast, the Council organise a tour of the City and provide an evening meal for event organisers, to be hosted by the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Sub-Committee. The costs of hospitality in this regard would not exceed £600.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
Creative Belfast Showcase
The Sub-Committee considered a report in relation to the outcome of the Creative Belfast Showcase, which had been held on 9th February at the Waterfront Hall.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that the associated exhibition be toured around large public venues with a view to increasing greater public accessibility and that a further event be planned for 2007/2008.
Chairman
