Agenda item

To provide an update on the Cultural Strategy for South Kesteven, including progress with the accompanying Action Plan and the achievement of Key Performance Indicators previously agreed.

The Deputy Leader of the Council presented the report.

The report provided the second six-monthly update on the implementation of South Kesteven’s Cultural Strategy 2023/26.

Since its adoption in July 2023, significant progress had been made towards delivering the strategy’s objectives guided by key performance indicators.

The report highlighted several achievements, including the success of the Pay it Forward scheme. The scheme had raised £6900 to expand access to cultural experience for residents facing barriers to participation.

Updates were provided on outreach efforts such as the Rural Touring Scheme and the inclusion of rural communities to enjoy arts services. Innovative public art projects had been funded by UKSPF grants.

Additionally, the report outlined the significant steps taken to enhance marketing, improve accessibility and ensure the effective use of cultural venues alongside new developments such as in-house pantomimes at Stamford Arts Centre and repairs/upgrades to facilities.

The update reflected the Council’s commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive cultural landscape across the District, ensuring value for money and enriching the quality of life for all residents.

It was queried as to how much of the £6900 raised from the Pay it Forward scheme had been spent.

The exact figure spent at present was unknown, however, it was a constant rolling scheme where money was spent to fund an activity once it was received.

ACTION: For the Arts and Cultural Services Manager to provide the Committee with an update on how much of the £6900 raised from the Pay it Forward scheme had been spent.

A suggestion was made on bringing back elements of the Gravity Fields Festival.

The Deputy Leader of the Council clarified that there were several significant events forthcoming such as Issac Newton’s birthday and 150 years of Kings School, Grantham. Officers were exploring potential opportunities to reincarnate elements of Gravity Fields festival but on a more affordable, smaller scale.

One Member raised the idea of a pop-up cinema and whether the Bourne Corn Exchange could be considered for such event. It was noted that people in Bourne either had to travel into Grantham or Peterborough.

The Arts and Cultural Services Manager highlighted that the idea of a pop-up cinema had been considered before. Bourne Corn Exchange received a high number of bookings, however, the idea could be further explored due to a projector screen being available at the venue.

The Leader of the Council informed the Committee of a venue in the Deepings which had a projector screen, which was available to the community.

A suggestion had previously been made to Grantham Museum on the idea of a ‘free-thinking festival’ which could be similar to Gravity Fields Festival. This could include a series of lectures annually to celebrate the legacy of Edith Smith, Maragret Thatcher, Issac Newton and Nicholas Parsons.

A Cabinet Member informed the Committee on the special anniversary of Charles Worth in 2025, who has the leading couturier in Paris. A celebration would take place in Bourne.

Members praised the team for the work presented. 

One Member requested whether the new development of flats on Swinegate could be named after a local historian, Malcolm Knapp, who had previously preserved a lot of Grantham’s history.

October 2025 would have been Margaret Thatcher’s 100^th birthday, it was suggested that a political lecture take place in order to celebrate the occasion.

That the Committee:

1. Note the information provided and offer suggestions on any additional information required for future updates in relation to the implementation of the Council’s Cultural Strategy.