Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cottle-Hunkin, Leather (Councillor Inch substituted), Woodhouse, Independent Person Kenton Baker and Head of Legal and Governance (& Monitoring Officer) Staci Dorey.  

Confirmation of the Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 1^st November 2022.

It was proposed by Councillor Harding, seconded by Councillor Hawkins and–

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on be agreed as a correct record.

(Vote: For 5, Abstentions 2)

15 minute period for public contributions.  Requests must be received by 2pm on Monday 5 December 2022.

No requests for public participation were received.

To review the action list.

Members reviewed the action list, there was no update in relation to action 137.

In relation to action 154 Chair noted papers circulated between meetings and informed that an email had been sent to Councillor Hellyer.

Although missed as an action at the last CSP meeting members noted that the Public Health and Housing Manager made contact in relation to a question about Anti-Social Behaviour and Houses of Multiple Occupancy in Bideford and provided a detailed response.

Members with interests should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

There were no Part II items.

There were no urgent matters.

An opportunity to hear about the work of Burton Art Gallery. 

Chair passed over to speakers from Burton Art Gallery and members introduced themselves.

Attending from the Burton were Robert Millard – Vice Chair of Trustees, Warren Collum - Collections and Exhibition Manager, Tim Ireson – Chairman Board of Trustees and

Sarah Lawrence - Trustee

Chair of Trustees addressed the committee and provided members with a detailed overview of The Burton at Bideford.

This included how Torridge District Council (TDC) funding is used in the running of the Gallery and the maintenance of the TDC collection. The Art Council funding and National Portfolio Organisation status were explained. It was confirmed that their Art Council grant for 2023-2026 was successful, though it was stated that in real terms it did represent a cut in funding.

The Chair of Trustees went on to highlighted some of the work of the gallery, including the value of some of the exhibitions including the touring exhibitions. The cost of caring for these works was explained and the use and cost of the air conditioning system was highlighted. 

The increasing cost pressures were noted and it was confirmed that this financial year The Burton broke even, it was stated they were in a stable financial position.

Community Engagement work was then highlighted, along with some of the strategic drivers for the gallery. 

The Collections and Exhibition Manager then provided members with a detailed review of the work of the Burton and highlighted the team and 50 volunteers that support this work. 

More detail was provided on all the engagement work with the community and schools and it was confirmed that the Gallery reaches around 200,000 visitors a year, with 15 exhibitions a year.

The variety of collections in the gallery and museum were highlighted for members, along with their role as tourist information point. 

It was confirmed that all this was provided to all visitors for free.

Some of the high profile exhibitions partners that the Gallery have worked with were highlighted for members. The Collections and Exhibitions Manager also explained the work that takes place commissioning local artists and touring the Gallery’s own collection. The digital access to displays was also highlighted.

Partnership work with organisations was also highlighted along with the support available to vulnerable groups as a result. Work with teachers and schools and a mentoring programme for students were also highlighted. 

A slide to demonstrate where funding for the Burton was shared with members. Members were emailed a copy of the presentation slides.

The Trustee Sarah Lawrence then addressed Committee.  She explained some of the collaborative work taking place, specifically mentioning Appledore Book Festival and work with the Regeneration Board. As well as partnership work with North Devon Plus to make use of the Burton Art Box as a ‘pop up’ in Bideford Town.

Finally the Vice Chair summarised some of the work taking place going forward to diversify the Burton’s income further through sponsorship and patronage. The role of Friends of Burton was mentioned .

Following the presentation from representatives of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 173.

To review the Forward Plan.

Member’s reviewed the forward plan and noted the addition of Active Torridge for the February meeting.