Agenda item

(1)       Ms Staples and Ms Herbert presented a report which gave an overview of the Kent Cultural Baton and plans for the new phase to be launched in spring 2011.

(2)       Ms Stapes and Ms Herbert answered questions and noted comments from Members which included the following:

• Ms Herbert confirmed that the Cultural Baton was due to visit Dover and Folkestone. Information on the location of the Cultural Baton was circulated to Members via the weekly Members Information Bulletin.
• Further information was requested on the outcomes from young people not in education, employment or training referred to in the report. 
• Officers stated that the Cultural Baton was very popular and that there was a waiting list of organisations/areas that wished to host it.
• Regarding engaging with young people, the Youth Arts Manager had a line management relationship with the Youth Service which helped to identify opportunities.
• In relation to the cost of the Cultural Baton, Ms Staples explained that it had been purchased for £30,000 and was a rare 1950s Airstream caravan, which had been adapted for use as the Baton, it has a drop down side so that it can open and be a performance space or be a closed work space.  It has a re-sale value and post 2012 consideration will be given as to whether to continue to use it to or to re-sell it to offset the original  cost.
• Ms Staples confirmed that the Cultural Baton received a lot of local press coverage, as the Baton was hosted in areas there was also a lot of word of mouth publicity for it prior to its arrival.

 (3)      Ms Staples gave an update on the financial performance of the Arts Development Unit for 2010/11.  Ms Stapes answered questions and noted comments from Members which included the following:

• Ms Staples explained that the unit worked to attract funding from the Arts Council and advised on and supported a range of bids from £5,000 to £90,000.
• Members noted the good job done by the unit to attract national funding in a challenging climate and that they had been successful on behalf of Kent compared to other areas.
• In response to a question on the range of arts covered by the unit, Ms Staples stated that although visual arts had been identified as a particular strength, there also worked on other areas such as outdoor arts. As Kent was not a County with one built venue to serve every resident it was important to ensure that there were events that residents across the County can attend.  Theatre was also a very significant element, and she referred to the new Marlowe theatre opening in Canterbury in October.  She was confident that arts provision in Kent was reaching all age groups.
• The important work that the unit carried out with District Councils on integrated projects was mentioned.

 (4)      RESOLVED that the success of the Kent Cultural Baton, and its continuing contribution to maximising opportunities around London 2012 Games and the financial performance of the Kent Arts Development Unit be noted.