Decision details

Executive Board will be asked to:

a)  Approve delivery of a one-year arts@leeds programme for 2023/24, supporting the transition toward a refreshed cultural funding programme.

b)  Delegate authority to Director City Development to approve funding decisions for the one-year programme, 2023/24.

c)  Approve the development of a refreshed three year Culture Investment Programme for 2024-27.

Development and adoption of the Cultural Investment Programme will be subject to open consultation and engagement with the sector and Executive Board approval in March 2023.

Further to Minute No. 9, 23 June 2021, the Director of City Development submitted a report that sought approval for a one-year cultural grants programme for 2023/24 whilst a comprehensive review and refresh of the Council’s current cultural funding programmes, arts@leeds and Leeds Inspired, was undertaken, prior to a revised funding programme being launched for the period 2024-27.

By way of introduction to the report, the Board received information on the key reasons as to why the proposal for a one year programme was being put forward. It was noted that the one year programme would operate within the existing budget envelope and that organisations would be required to apply for grants. However in doing so, it was emphasised that there would be an extensive application window and that organisations would be supported through this process.

Responding to an enquiry, Members received further information regarding the guidance and supportive measures which were currently available to organisations, with it being noted that consideration was being given to the ways in which cultural organisations could be signposted and supported in accessing other funding streams, where appropriate.

In response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information and assurance regarding the role which would be played by the Leeds 2023 Neighbourhood Hosts, with it being noted that the Hosts were currently being recruited for each Ward, which was a process being undertaken by the Leeds 2023 organisation.

Also, in response to a specific enquiry officers undertook to provide the Member in question with details of the current financial position regarding the funding of the Leeds 2023 initiative. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the delivery of a one-year arts@leeds programme for 2023/24, which supports the transition towards a refreshed cultural funding programme, be approved;

(b)  That the necessary authority be delegated to Director City Development in order to enable the Director to approve funding decisions for the one year programme, 2023/24;

(c)  That the development of a refreshed three-year Culture Investment Programme for 2024-27, be approved, with the development and adoption of the Cultural Investment Programme being subject to open consultation and engagement with the sector prior to Executive Board approval being sought in 2023.

(Further to the declaration of interest as detailed at Minute No. 18, Councillor Pryor took no part in the consideration of, or voting upon this matter and left the meeting room for the duration of this item)

As part of the review of the arts and cultural investment programme, Culture Programme Officers have completed consultation and informal briefings with colleagues across the council, sector and other funding agencies.

Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education

Arts Council England

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

West Yorkshire local authorities – Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees

Members of the creative sector

Leeds Community Foundation

Voluntary Action Leeds