Issue - decisions

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved the draft Creative and Cultural Framework for public consultation.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Community, Safety and Wellbeing

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder Community, Safety and Wellbeing presented the report, explaining that he was very pleased with the draft framework document. 

The Service Manager – Environmental and Regulation explained that the document detailed the shared vision for culture across the New Forest for all of its communities, businesses, practitioners and partners. The document identified the strengths in collaboration and partnership through learning and shared knowledge for maximum benefit. Strengths and opportunities within the Forest were identified through consultation and workshops with members, the creative sector, partners, officers and the public, a collection of priority themes were established including health and wellbeing, economic growth, skills, environment and place.  Actionable measures would be implemented through the action plan which would be managed by Creative Forest. An impact report would be used to monitor and evaluate the action plan by a stakeholder steering group.  The Council was now seeking to consult on the draft framework so that it could continue to shape the future of the New Forest. 

A non-executive member stated their support for the document. They wanted more information on how Culture in Common would fit within the document. They raised questions on funding availability for the ambitions and the difficulty in supporting projects across the whole District due to the different needs within the district and how this challenge could be overcome. 

It was recognised that creativity and culture had important wellbeing effects and the promotion of this through the LGR was encouraged to ensure that the new organisation would support culture in the Forest going forward.

A non-executive member commented on the framework strengthening the existing relationships and enable culture and creativity to thrive.

The Service Manager – Environmental and Regulation reassured Cabinet that Arts Council England had engaged with the process and had provided funding to Creative Forest to help manage and progress the strategy. The Creative Forest steering group would contain stakeholders who would review and monitor delivery against the ambitions.  

All feedback through the consultation was welcomed.