Issue - meetings

That Executive (A) approved in principle the establishment of an arts-focused charity, that would raise and distribute funds for local arts and cultural activities, with a more detailed proposal to be brought back to the Executive for decision.

The Executive Member for Communities presented a report on the establishment of an Arts Charity and thanked officers for their work in developing the proposal.

Members were advised that the charity would build on the success of the Arts in East Herts programme and festival, which had improved access to arts and cultural activities, particularly in rural communities and delivered benefits for health, wellbeing and the local economy.

It was explained that the proposed charity would help secure grant funding, support the local creative sector and potentially enhance BEAM’s outreach work through charitable donations and Gift Aid arrangements. Approval in principle would enable officers to obtain further legal advice on the options set out in the report before presenting detailed proposals for Members’ consideration at a later date.

The Executive Member for Communities proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report. The Executive Member for Financial Sustainability seconded the proposal.

Members commented on whether the proposed charity could support a wider range of community-based arts initiatives, including partnerships with existing organisations and emerging venues across the district. In response, it was noted that suggestions would be considered as part of the development of the charity’s objectives, which would need to be sufficiently broad to accommodate a range of relevant initiatives.

Members sought clarification on the proposed timetable and consultation requirements. It was advised that work was progressing towards establishing the charity during the period January to March 2027. It was confirmed that a further report on the final structure of the charity would be brought back to the Executive for approval before implementation.

The motion to support the recommendations, having been proposed and seconded, was put to the meeting and upon a vote being taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that Executive approve in principle the establishment of an arts-focused charity, that would raise and distribute funds for local arts and cultural activities, with a more detailed proposal to be brought back to the Executive for decision.

The Executive Member for Communities submitted a report inviting Members to review emerging plans to establish an arts-focused charity that would enable, fund and support delivery of arts and cultural activities primarily within the boundaries of the current district of East Hertfordshire, though potentially beyond this area following local government reorganisation.

The Executive Member for Communities said that she was seeking early feedback on the development of the proposal and to provide assurance that any model adopted would be legally compliant and transparent in both its establishment and operation.

Members were reminded of the council’s successful delivery of the Arts in East Herts festival over the past two years. The Executive Member for Communities set out the benefits of this initiative for residents, particularly in rural areas in terms of accessing local arts activities.

The Executive Member for Communities said that the festival contributed positively to residents’ mental health and wellbeing, while also supporting the local economy through increased footfall and spending.

Members were advised that the programme had adopted an inclusive definition of the arts, encompassing activities such as creative writing, music, dance, and visual arts. The events were accessible, with many offered at low or no cost, and had supported local creatives and volunteers.

The Executive Member for Communities said that the proposed CIO would aim to build on this success by securing external funding and enabling the local creative community to continue delivering activities that benefit residents in terms of their health and wellbeing.

The Committee were advised that BEAM had originally been established to provide an arts offer across the district, particularly through outreach work, but was currently unable to benefit from Gift Aid on donations due to its position within the council.

The Executive Member for Communities said that the creation of a CIO would enable donations to be managed in a legally compliant and transparent manner, allowing Gift Aid to be claimed and strengthening outreach provision.

Members were advised that discussions with legal advisers were ongoing, and that the CIO would need clearly defined aims, objectives, and a robust business plan in order to meet the requirements of the Charity Commission.

The Executive Member for Communities said that an Arts inEast Herts event would take place in September and October, supported by seed funding from the Community Grants Programme, specifically the East Herts Lottery.

Members were advised that a reference group would be established to support the delivery of the 2026 festival and to act as a shadow body in the development of the CIO. This group would include interested Members and representatives from the local arts community.

Councillor Nicholls said that she had taken part in both previous Arts in East Herts events. She welcomed the proposals and expressed her strong support for the proposal. She highlighted a significant unmet need for support for artists and creatives in East Herts.

Councillor Nicholls emphasised that any future organisation should not be wholly council-run and should have dedicated trustees and organisations to focus on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9