KEYNSHAM TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of the Arts Joint Committee held on Monday 14th September 2015 at 10.00 a.m. in
the Town Council Offices
PRESENT:
Keynsham Town Councillors J Cron, L O’Brien, S Waite and
Z Wilkins. B&NES Councillor – P Anketell-Jones
IN ATTENDANCE:
A Cullis (Arts Development – B&NES) and J Swift (KTC)
20.
B&NES REPRESENTATIVE ON ARTS COMMITTEE
Councillor P Anketell-Jones was introduced to everyone and then briefly spoke about
his role. He is responsible for Planning, Housing and Economic Development Policy
Development and this responsibility includes Arts and Cultures. It is a busy time for
the Arts and Culture sector. Initially Councillor P Anketell-Jones aims to understand
more about this sector in terms of who they are, what their needs are, how they
organise themselves and how and where do they fit in/use space for those activities.
Councillor Anketell-Jones’ message was that budgets are getting tight and arts are
an easy target for cuts therefore the Arts Committee needs to think about raising
money which can come from events, a more business-like approach is required to
make any projects self-funding.
Members of the Committee informed Councillor Anketell-Jones about the lack of art
space in Keynsham, as there are items in storage not being displayed although there
is a small amount now on display in the library. It was felt that this is more to do with
Heritage.
The new Community Space was discussed. The space has never properly been
named. There are many issues with the space such as - nowhere for the performers
to change, no stage, limited toilets, lighting inadequate. These issues mean that it is
not completely useable by all groups. It is the only space that Keynsham has other
than church halls etc. Keynsham is lacking massively for performance space.
Keynsham is growing and it would be preferable not to always have to go to Bath or
Bristol for an event.
It was suggested that when the new Leisure Centre is developed that there could be
space included for performances. It was suggested that Keynsham Town Council get
involved with trying to put this forward as a suggestion to B&NES Council. It was
mentioned that the Town Council are having a Council review by making a plan and
setting priorities for 2015-2019 in the next few weeks, this could definitely be
mentioned then and this could be an opportunity to officially drive this idea forward.
Frome Town Council has been very successful in turning their town around and very
successfully promoting arts and culture. The Town Clerk suggested that it may be a
good idea to visit Frome Town Council.
RESOLVED:
That the Town Clerk organises a visit to Frome Town Council.
21.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCES
Councillors T Crouch, C Fricker and A Hale.
22.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There was none.
23.
NON DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS
There was none.
24.
DISPENSATIONS
There were none.
25.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
RESOLVED:
That the above minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2015 are approved as a
correct record and signed by the Chairman.
26.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was none.
27.
B&NES ARTS DEVELOPMENT
B&NES Councillors are presently working on the next 4 year plan and budget.
(2016-2020). This is the usual process when there is a change of administration. It is
challenging as all local authorities in the country are subject to consider reductions in
their finances over the next few years, this translates locally, that by March 2020
B&NES council have to reduce its expenditure by 20% which is 38 million pounds.
However, this won’t be solely about making reductions but it will focus on how to
create income e.g. by charging for services. Presently the Cabinet Members and
senior management officers are exploring all the options and then during October to
December extensive work will be done on this.
Due to this it is not known what the next 4 years will be like for the Arts Department in
B&NES and any reductions in budget not known presently. The new administration
are keen not to have favouritism towards Bath. Where possible the Arts Department
will continue to support the partnership with Keynsham Town Council subject to
budgets.
Flags and Banners update – the consultation recently undertaken showed that there
was 100% support by local businesses and organisations. Anne will submit the
planning application in early October. It is envisaged that this new process will start
from 1st April 2016. Bunting – small amounts of bunting does not need planning
permission however Highways do need to be informed. Bunting across the street is
not possible. The application will be in place for 5 years. The Winter Festival etc. will
be bundled up into this therefore their present expiry date will be expanded.
Jo will email those present the report and resolution from the Town Council as a
reminder/for information.
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28.
NEW PIECE OF PUBLIC ART AS PART OF THE WWI CENTERNAY EVENTS
Unfortunately Jack Pollard was unable to attend the meeting. The item will be put
back on the agenda for the December meeting of the Joint Arts Committee meeting.
29.
EMPTY SHOPS AND POP UP ARTS CENTRE
This was discussed at a recent KDAG meeting – there are 2 units that are not for
consideration by prospective businesses presently, this is the 1 next to Sainsbury’s
and the 1 opposite. Currently the state of them is that they have concrete floors and
lighting. Business rates and the cost of the lighting will have to be paid by any users.
Sara Dixon is finding out the exact details of these costs. Due to this the Town
Council may need to act as a guarantor for these costs. It was thought that the artist
would be charged a small fee for space and then a commission on what they sell.
It is hoped that they can be used for approximately 6 weeks from mid-November to
end of the year; this period will include the Winter Festival.
RESOLVED:
That when the exact costs are known the Town Council are asked to be
guarantors as detailed above.
30.
MOSAICS
Anne will try and track down the artist due to the Town Clerk being unsuccessful.
It was suggested that it may be preferable to get them moved inside. Before this is to
be considered it was suggested that a survey is undertaken to consider their present
condition and the best way for them to be stored. Ann said B&NES Council would be
able to do this but there would be a charge.
RESOLVED:
Cost how much the survey will be, this will be taken back to the next Arts
Committee meeting in December.
Councillor Wilkins spoke about a recent visit she had been on to St Monica’s Trust.
She has been invited to help choose the interior designer for the development
interior, this was to be undertaken as a professional and was not in her role as a
Town Councillor and she needs to make this clear to St Monica’s Trust.
There is an opportunity for the Arts Committee to play a large part in the
development and use of public space such as the foyer and corridors as they are
keen for there to be a changing arts display. It was mentioned that St Monica’s Trust
were only at the stage of having a few meetings with B&NES Council and a planning
application had not yet been submitted therefore Councillors have to be careful not to
comprise the position of the Town Council due to the forthcoming planning
application.
Councillor Wilkins will have to declare her involvement with St Monica Trust when the
application comes to the Town Council as Councillor Wilkins is a member of the
Planning and Development Committee.
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31.
ARTS NEWSLETTER
Thanks were given to Sheila Crocombe for her hard work in delivering the newsletter
to the numerous places in Keynsham. It was agreed to send her a thank you in the
way of a floral gift. Jo to organise future distributions of the newsletter between the
Town Council admin. staff and Councillors Wilkins, O’Brien, Cron and Waite.
32.
ARTS ADVISORY GROUP MEETING
Timeline Project – the size of the Timeline has meant that it has gone over budget
and as the majority of the group did not want to reduce the size of the timeline grant
applications are presently being applied for to cover the short fall in funding. The total
cost of the project is £60K but there is only £35K available.
The trees in that area have now been pruned. The types of trees are being
challenged as it is thought that they have not put in the correct trees.
The Clock Tower unveiling is on Saturday 19th September, this is a very important
piece of public art and the first in the B&NES area for many years.
33.
CURRENT ART ACTIVITIES IN KEYNSHAM
Comments were made that the report from Ric Davison on the Music Festival was
excellent.
Councillor Z Wilkins will contact 1 of the Bristol Savages as 3 live in Keynsham to
attend a future meeting of the Joint Arts Committee.
34.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
RESOLVED:
That the date of the next meeting is Monday 14th December at 10.30pm.
Signed: .......................................................... Date: ..................................................
(Chairman)
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