Agenda item

Before presenting the Cultural Strategy six monthly update to the Committee, the Deputy Leader drew Members attention to paragraph 2.22 of the report which highlighted the four concerts in respect of the Music in Quiet Places programme.  The report should also have included the concert by Simon Thacker, a composer and classical guitarist which was taking place on 9 July 2026 at St Stephen’s Church, Careby.

The Council’s Cultural Strategy 2023-26 was the guiding document for the Council’s Arts and Culture Team and underpinned the cultural activity within the Council’s three artistic venues, outreach activity across the district and how the team engaged with the wider cultural sector.

The report provided a six monthly update on the delivery of the Council’s Cultural Strategy and the progress made against the agreed action plan and key performance indicators.  The report outlined the programmed activity undertaken within venues and included outreach activity during the period which was wide ranging. 

The Deputy Leader highlighted the newly established Events Programme which had been approved at the last Committee meeting and the strong participation in both the Live and Local scheme and the Music in Quiet Places programme.  The programme demonstrated the Council’s commitment to increasing access to arts and culture across the district.  The report also outlined positive trends in audience engagement, marketing reach and partnership working which included the Newton 300 Programme and stakeholder meetings.  The next steps in refreshing the Cultural Strategy were outlined in the report ensuring that it remained responsive to the needs and ambitions of the communities in South Kesteven.  The recommendation contained in the report was for the Committee to note the report and provide any feedback to inform future updates and the development of the Cultural Strategy.

One Member made reference to the Skatepark Skills event in February half-term which, unfortunately, due to the weather had been cut short and asked if there was scope for future sessions to which the Arts and Cultural Services Manager stated that further skills days had been undertaken in April and extra activities organised with a BMX session planned for September 2026.

Another Member referenced Newton 300 which was a huge opportunity to promote Grantham and the surrounding area.  The Assistant Director Culture, Leisure and Place stated that work was ongoing to organise a large stakeholder group to work together to collaborate and make the most of the opportunities presented by Newton 300.  A further piece of work was being done much like with the Thatcherfest events, with cross marketing to make sure clashes didn’t occur and that events complimented each other.

The Arts and Cultural Manager then spoke to the Committee in relation to the Architects of Air event, which was planned as part of the Newton 300 commemorations.  The Luminarium was made in Nottingham and linked really well with Newton.  The Installation had travelled all over the world and was a very sensory event with natural light.  The Luminarium would be in Wyndham Park for nine days and would be open for nine hours a day and she urged Members to go on line and watch videos so that they could get a sense of what it was about.  The event was confirmed as taking place in the Easter Half-Term in 2027.

Members noted the report.