Stephen Taylor, Strategic Lead Economic Development, presented the report that set out the role of the Council to facilitate a collaborative approach to develop shared ambitions around community drive arts activity and the steps being taken by partners to secure resources and support delivery. The Council recognised the value of arts, heritage and culture and heritage in itself and as a way of improving health and wellbeing, learning and skills, civic pride and a community driven growth agenda.

Councillor Redsell stated the residents were missing culture and heritage events but it was good to hear that work was still continuing in the background.

Councillor J Kent queried whether this item fell under the terms of reference of this committee. Stephen Taylor stated the fees and charges report for theatre and museum had traditionally been presented to this committee for approval and this had been the basis for bringing this report this evening.

Councillor Hague asked for some examples of practical and physical outputs of this work programme to ensure that the Council build on the strengths and capabilities that Thurrock had locally. Stephen Taylor stated that the outcome in terms of the community driven arts and heritage activity would be determined through development of the shared vision and priorities but an agreed approach would give a good basis for external funding bids, help identify who was interested in what and to see where there may be opportunities to join up and collaborate to deliver a bigger or better programme. In terms of looking at the economy, jobs, skills and business it would be an opportunity to look at what could be attracted into the borough or grown from existing business base. Councillor Hague thanked for the answer and although creative was important it should also be linked into the economic development in the area and building in the sense of place.

Councillor Redsell stated the Council needed to be more imaginative in their ideas and plans.

Councillor J Kent stated that more consideration should be given to matching developments with the need of the local art community and referred to the close working of the High House Production Park with Acme Studies. Councillor J Kent stated the approach of the report was too self-selected and there was a concern that a lot of artists were missing out. That it was for the community to be given the tools they need to run events such as an open-air cinema and not for the Council to tell the communities what they think they want. Councillor J Kent referred to the Creative People and Places lottery bid and stated the members did not know what was in that report, what that would deliver and what success would look like and stated the report was very unclear as to what the message was that they were trying to get across. Stephen Taylor stated Tilbury on Thames Trust had been selected by a voting process managed by the CVS and acknowledged that it would have been helpful to have had this information in the report and agreed that transparency was important and would work with partners to ensure that any future bid to Creative People and Places was clearly summarised and explained.

Councillor Redsell stated it was important to get the community together.

RESOLVED

1.         The Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the report and the collaborative approach taken to developing the shared ambitions around community driven arts activity.

2.         The Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee supported the development of funding applications to help secure delivery.

3.         The Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee commented on the collaborative approach to broadening out the work to consider the impact the cultural sector can have on the economy, jobs, skills and the growth agenda.