Decision details

At its meeting of 18th January 2023, Council approved the use of UKSPF funds to fund cultural activities grants. An allocation of up to £100,000 was subsequently set aside for development of a Arts Showcase.

At the same meeting, Council delegated decision-making on all cultural activities grants and contracts to the Head of Housing and Health acting in consultation with the Executive Member for Communities.

The aspiration is that the Arts in East Herts showcase becomes a self-funded annual event after the UKSPF-funded event in 2024/25. To this end, it has been identified that a group of individuals from cultural organisations and/or with particular expertise and interests regarding arts events be established to become the organisers of future events. Support, guidance and training to establish such as group is essential and Community Alliance have been identified to having the necessary skills, connections and background to carry out this work.

Make a grant of £10,000 to Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts to provide community group development in connection with the Arts in East Herts showcase.

Option 1 - Not fund any group establishment and development work. NOT RECOMMENDED because there is a significant risk that without such support, a group will not be formed, thus jeopardising the chances of the Arts in East Herts showcase progressing beyond one year.
Option 2 - Not fund Community Alliance to carry out this work. NOT RECOMMENDED as Community Alliance are locally based and have a track record in providing the exact group development and training expertise required.
Option 3 - Fund Community Alliance for the reasons outlined. RECOMMENDED.