Agenda item

To consider a report by the Director of City Development which provides an update on the approach taken to develop the new Culture Strategy for Leeds 2017-2030 and the development of a bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2023.

(Report attached)

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on the approach taken to develop the new Cultural Strategy for Leeds 2017 – 2030 and also the development of a bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2013.

Sarah Priestley, Principal Cultural Officer and Leanne Buchan, Principal Officer Cultural & Sport presented the report and responded to Members comments and queries

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report which included:

Leeds 2013 European Capital of Culture Bid

·  What is European Capital of Culture

·  The benefits of being awarded the title

·  What would be the implications following Britain’s exit from the European Union

·  Engage with local community groups and cultural providers

·  Deliver a bid that is reflective and inclusive of the whole city

Leeds Cultural Strategy 2017 - 2030

It was reported that the city was required to have a current Culture Strategy, from which the bid takes its steer. The strategy should also link closely to the city’s wider development ambitions according to the criteria of the competition.

Officers said that over the next six to nine months the Culture and Sport team would continue to work with the people to ‘co-produce’ a new Culture Strategy, setting the underpinning values, defining and shaping our cultures, articulating the value of culture across a range of policy areas and supporting the future creators of the city’s vibrant cultural offer.

It was reported that the new Culture Strategy for Leeds 2017-2030 would set the tone for the Leeds bid to become European Capital of Culture 2023, and provide the framework for its delivery should Leeds be successful in its bid.

The Chair thanked the officers for their presentation and sought the views of Members.

Referring to engagement with local community groups, Councillor J Procter asked if any groups in Wetherby had been contacted.

In responding Ms Buchan said that she was seeking the assistance of the Community Committee in identifying groups/ individuals and supplying the necessary contact details/ introductions to allow a discussion to begin.

In offering comment Councillor Cohen said it was really important from an engagement point of view that the outer areas of the city were consulted.

Councillor Stephenson asked about the cost of bidding.

Responding, Ms Buchan said the cost could vary depending the city. Some cities choose to build a programme of events, marketing and engagement around the bid, others take a more administrative approach. In Leeds we would like to build a more open and engaging approach to the bid and will invest in community engagement as we did with the consultation in 2014, marketing and working with the cultural sector to demonstrate a proven track record. As this is a competition exact figures are confidential but we can confirm the city council is already a minority funder of the bid with financial support pledged from all three universities, Leeds College of Art, Leeds College of Music, Leeds City College and Leeds BID – all ahead of the official sponsorship packages being released.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)  To support the approach in developing the new Cultural Strategy for Leeds 2017-2023

(iii)  To identify any groups, networks, organisations and individuals who could contribute to the new Cultural Strategy and the bid for European Capital of Culture 2030