Further to Minute No. 76, 18th October 2017, the Director of City Development submitted a report outlining the steps that the city had taken in response to the decision by the European Commission to cancel the UK competition for European Capital of Culture. In addition, the report summarised the work undertaken by officers to establish the appropriate vehicle for taking forward Leeds 2023 plans, outside of the framework of the European Commission regulations.
With regard to an enquiry regarding the Council representation on the Trust, emphasis was placed upon the value of continuing a cross-party approach towards the 2023 initiative.
Members also received an update regarding a new funding stream which had been recently announced by the Arts Council (Cultural Development Fund), which the Council intended to submit a bid for.
RESOLVED –
(a) That the overall progress made in taking forward ‘Leeds 2023’ plans, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;
(b) That officers be requested to:-
(i) Work alongside colleagues in legal and financial services in order to develop ‘Leeds Culture Trust’ as the delivery vehicle for Leeds 2023, and to develop a Service Level Agreement between the Council and Leeds Culture Trust which reflects the Council as a major funder;
(ii) Support the Leeds Culture Trust to secure charitable status and commence the search and recruitment process for a Chair and full Board of Trustees, to be in place by early 2019;
(iii) Return with a report on further progress at the appropriate time, when a new Chair and Trustees are appointed and when the work of the 2023 independent steering group reaches an end.
(c) That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Culture and Sport is responsible for the implementation of such matters.
(Councillor Rafique left the meeting at the conclusion of this item)