Issue - meetings

The Commercial, Cultural and Leisure Development Manager addressed Members regarding the options and recommendations for the ongoing delivery of the cultural strategy and programming in West Lindsey. It was explained that the report outlined the resource requirements to sustain and grow the cultural offer in the district, setting out the context of existing resources, established programming and the adopted West Lindsey Cultural Strategy. The cultural programme was explained, with headline costs and indicative engagement figures used to illustrate impact, and an example budget of a signature event to show how funds were used. It was recommended that the cultural strategy be fully resourced by the cultural reserve being annually topped up; the Cultural Development Manager role being retained, and an Events Officer being recruited to safeguard future delivery.

Members of the Committee, and the Visiting Member, expressed their ongoing support for the cultural events team, and admiration for what had been achieved in recent months and years. The continuation of existing events was considered fundamental to the cultural offering, forming the basis for additional events to grow and take root across the district.

In response to a question regarding the funding, it was clarified that the fund was to be maintained each year at £100k, which would require ‘top-ups’ of differing amounts, not that £100k was going to be added each year. Additionally, it was clarified that the fund was used for match-funding on grant applications, with events to be funded as far as possible through grants from organisations such as the Arts Council. The involvement of Gainsborough Town Council was also noted and appreciated.

Members once again highlighted the success of recent events and the additional benefits which arose, for example the boost to community inclusion and visitor economy. With clear support from the Committee, the printed recommendations were duly proposed and seconded. On taking the vote it was

            RESOLVED that

a)    an annual contribution to increase the balance on the Cultural Strategy Reserve to a maximum of £100k, commencing 2026/2027, be approved; and

b)    recruitment of an Events Officer to deliver cultural legacy events and the Lincolnshire Show be approved; and

c)    the Cultural Development Manager post be added permanently to the establishment.