Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To seek approval for the proposed funding levels for the Revenue Grant payments to cultural organisations for the financial year 2023/24.

RECOMMENDED

That the Revenue Grant payments as outlined are agreed for the financial year 2023/24.

The report was introduced by Claire Looney, Commissioning and Partnerships Manager.

The Cabinet member said that he knew from conversations with the Arts Council that Portsmouth's ongoing commitment to supporting arts organisations with revenue funding is a real benefit to the city.  He added that the grants to Portsmouth Guildhall, Ports Fest, New Theatre Royal, Kings Theatre, Peter Ashley Activity Centre, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Aspex Visual Art Trust had not been increased for some time, they are therefore within inflationary pressures a real term cut and the organisations accept that the Council is in a difficult funding position.  These grants are reviewed annually and if it is felt that any organisation reaches a level where its financial resilience allows the Council to make a further reduction in public support to increase finding for another organisation or for a new organisation this will be reviewed.  

Members were in agreement and felt that it was disappointing that only two organisations the Council provides funding for were successful in gaining National Portfolio Status from Arts Council England.  Councillor Pitt said he meets regularly with the regional Director of Arts Council England to put forward the case for Portsmouth  

DECISION: The Cabinet Member agreed the Revenue Grant payments as outlined for the financial year 2023/24.