Agenda item

The Arts and Culture - Venue Updates report was presented by the Deputy Leader.

The report gave an overview of venue performance outlining comparative performance figures for financial years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, with overall ticket profits for 2024-25 peaking at £68,318 in the Stamford Cinema and Event Cinema Programme.

In addition to the regular joint programming opportunities facilitated between the Guildhall and Stamford, trial opportunities had also been facilitated for performances such as ‘Nature Elly’ by Barmpot Theatre or the ‘Museum of Marvellous Things’.

With this in mind, the report outlined the key role of marketing. Regarding social media posts, a key change being the recent focus on interaction related posts rather than direct ticket sales posts as this had been found to gain higher levels of engagement.

An update was given on the Bourne Corn Exchange noting that the main hall was particularly popular with numerous bookings coming off the back of other events with many acts returning on an annual basis.

As a result of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), accessibility improvements had been made to the cinema at the Stamford Arts Centre, including the installation of Audio Description Equipment and ‘Watch Word’ Systems. Stamford Arts Centre was only the 10th venue worldwide to have installed Watchword, improving accessibility for audience members that were deaf or hard of hearing.

Stamford Arts Centre cinema sales had improved due to improved programming and marketing. Working with the Independent Cinema Office (ICO) had enabled films to be shown in week 3 of release rather than weeks 5 or 6 as in previous years.

The Guildhall Arts Centre Pantomime had several shows for individuals with access needs. The relaxed performance was specifically sensitive to audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, including (but not limited to) those with autistic spectrum conditions, people living with dementia, parents with very young children on their first trip to the theatre, anyone with sensory and communication disorders, or people with learning disabilities. As part of the extensive run of shows, there was also a British Sign Language interpreted performance scheduled yearly.

During discussions, members commented on the following:

Councillor Morgan declared an interest that her daughter had been involved in the Grantham Dramatic Society.

-       Praise was given for the improvements made across the service, particularly regarding the significant increases in ticket sales.

-       With this in mind, clarification was sought to the next goals pursued by officers.

-       The suggestion was made that the existence of the theatre in Grantham needed to be further publicised.

-       A further request was made to engage with arts and drama classes through schooling and facilitate and signpost extra art and drama opportunities. It was noted that the ‘Evolve Project’ had previously been held between Stamford and Grantham in collaboration with Lincolnshire One Venues but the funding had expired. The Arts and Culture Services Manager agreed to look at similar initiatives. 

The Arts and Culture – Venue Updates report was noted by the Committee.