Can the Cabinet member give an update on progress towards the development of a Cultural Strategy for Monmouthshire?
Minutes:
Can the Cabinet member give an update on progress towards the development of a Cultural Strategy for Monmouthshire?
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The Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism responded that work over the last year has included engaging with several groups in the heritage and arts fields, canvassing Town and Community Councils and hosting networking groups engaged in cultural industries and community activity. Whilst the work is being led by MonLife Arts, Heritage and Destination Officers, the Cultural Strategy will be a cross-Council strategy aligned to the Community and Corporate Plan, sharing themes and actions with the Destination Management Plan, the Leisure Strategy, Heritage Strategy, Library Strategy, Place-Making plans, Green Infrastructure and nature recovery work.
The 3 themes are people, places and prosperity. There will be engagement with the public and specific groups between the 12th May and 27th June through Let’s Talk Monmouthshire and 4 focus groups sessions. The final strategy will be compiled through July and August and will then commence the political process of approval and adoption.
The current work is building on the work from the Creative Industries Cluster Hubs project, which mapped and brought together over 200 visual arts organizations and practitioners working in the County which has led to a continuing network for the visual arts. It also builds on the Creative Futures SPF project, which has worked with nearly 600 young people and established the Monmouthshire Youth Theatre. The first celebration arts event was held in April 2024 and the second is tomorrow.
A database of contacts has been created, and the team are now in regular communication with over 300 creative practitioners sharing news, opportunities and information. Spaces to display work have been created in the Hubs, the Tourist Information Centre and the Borough Theatre, and artists and makers are now selling their work. The team continued to promote Monmouthshire as a venue for filming, for events and festivals.
County Councillor Jackie Strong asked the Cabinet Member to ensure that Severnside isn't forgotten as there is no dedicated arts space, theatre or a space for local groups to hire cheaply. They must either use the school or the choir hall which is costly and increases pressure to raise funds. There is an abundance of talented individuals, and the comprehensive school recently presented the musical “Our House”. Caldicot Male Voice Choir is also performing a show. There is a magnificent medieval castle and grounds that hosts musical events and the Armed Forces Day.
In a supplementary question, Councillor Strong asked how the Cultural Strategy will support local groups to sustain them and provide them with the necessary support to provide opportunities and access to the arts for current and future residents.
The Cabinet Member responded that the creative industries work has shown that Caldicot has a large number of creative professionals who live there but are working elsewhere so it would be great to create more opportunities for them in Monmouthshire and part of the project has been setting up the quarterly creative conversations with local artists in local cafes.
These events provide mutual support and opportunities for sharing ideas and help the Council to understand where it can support the sector.
It was announced that the Council will be hosting an Arts and Creative Festival in Caldicot in September, as well as the strong programme of summer music and other events at the castle. The Team is working on how to best support the many voluntary and community groups such as choirs and Youth Theatre groups. One example is the refurbishment of the costume collection for the Youth Theatre, which is now available for all community theatre groups in the County. Other practical ways in which the sector can be supported are welcomed.