Agenda item

To receive a report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development inquiring into ‘marketing and promotion of the city.’

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report which introduced the second session inquiring into the marketing and promotion of the City.

In attendance to answer questions from Members were:

Catherine Blanshard – Chief Officer, Libraries, Arts and Heritage;

Cate Walker – Project Officer, Libraries, Arts and Heritage;

Laraine Penson – Northern Ballet;

Quirin Gerstenecker – Opera North;

Amy Sanderson – Leeds Grand Theatre; and

Su Matthewman – West Yorkshire Playhouse.

The Chief Officer, Libraries Arts and Heritage and external witnesses took Members through a presentation which highlighted the importance of culture to the City. The specific strengths in dance and opera were highlighted as unique selling points for Leeds, but the overall range of the cultural offer was also stressed as important.

Members considered that greater effort should be made to engage younger people from less affluent communities to attend cultural events in the City. The circulation of free tickets for school children was brought up

The pricing of tickets was raised by Members and also the impact of charging for Opera in the Park. Members requested that information be circulated with regards to the review of Opera in the Park since charging was introduced.

Members discussed the talent and culture outside the city centre where local amateur events often engage and inspire people.  Members agreed that more opportunities should be given to these groups and that they should be promoted wherever possible and involved in major events such as the ‘Grand Depart’ of Le Tour de France in 2014.

Members requested that officers explore the possibility of Leeds bidding for the European Capital of Culture, and were informed that the 2023 would be the next year that Leeds could bid for this.

The Board noted that there was a transport challenge in terms of getting people in and out of the city centre in the evenings to attend events. The Board were formed that the Executive Member was in discussion with Metro giving consideration to this.

Members asked about the future after the Leeds Arena has opened and were concerned that Leeds keeps ahead in terms of its cultural offer. Members were informed of the major sporting events which will be happening over the next couple of years including the Rugby League World Cup which Leeds is a host City for and the Tour de France Grand depart in 2014. Leeds is also bidding to be a host city for the next Rugby Union World Cup in 2015.

In discussions about the opening of the Leeds Arena it was confirmed to Members that the opening season will be a mixture of events. Officers were also advised to give careful consideration to religious festivals when planning events at the Arena.

RESOLVED –

(a)  (a) That the issues discussed by this session of the inquiry be incorporated into the Board’s draft inquiry report;

(b)  That officers explore the possibility of Leeds bidding for European Capital of Culture;

(c)  That information regarding the review of Opera in the Park following the introduction of charging be circulated to Members; and

(Councillor Akhtar left the meeting at 11:15am during the discussion of this item. Councillor Cohen left the meeting at 11:25am during the discussion of this item.)