Issue - meetings

To seek approval to go out to Consultation on the approved options for the Future Model for the Heritage Service

Meeting: 05/02/2019 - Executive (Item 49)

49 Future of the Heritage Service pdf icon PDF 531 KB

(To receive a report from the Interim Executive Director of Place which seeks approval of the carrying out of a public consultation on the proposed changes set out in the Report to the Council's Heritage Service)

Additional documents:

Decision:

 

(1)  That approval be given to the carrying out of a public consultation on the proposed changes set out in the Report to the Council's Heritage Service.

 

(2)  That delegated authority be given to the Interim Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Culture and Emergency Services, to determine the detail of the consultation to include scope, timing, content and methodology.

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report from the Interim Executive Director of Place which sought approval to conduct public consultation on proposed changes to the Council's Heritage Service based on a move to a cultural enterprise model. 

 

The Chief Community Engagement Officer presented the report in detail to the Executive and in doing so advised that a cultural enterprise was an entrepreneurial organisation that delivered culture-based products and services to generate a profit (or a surplus if a not-for-profit or public body), which would then be used to ensure the enterprise's long-term sustainability and development.  A cultural enterprise would require a culture of creativity, commercialisation and medium risk-taking.

 

This proposed change would involve moving from a 'microsite' to a 'supersite' approach.  It was explained that a microsite was a museum, gallery or heritage site which offered a highly specialised collection whereas a supersite was a heritage site, gallery or museum that offered multiple experiences, including both permanent and temporary exhibitions and events, which enabled the broadest range of audiences to engage with the widest range of experiences, and which maximised the potential for income generation.

 

The proposed changes would include the creation of a new supersite at The Collection Museum and Art Gallery to add to the one at Lincoln Castle.  The supersite model would be enhanced by the retention of three microsites at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, the Battle of Britain Memorial and the Heckington Windmill.   Under the proposed model, the Council would cease to operate the Usher Gallery as an art gallery but the art collection would remain within The Collection Museum and Art Gallery.  The Council would return the operation of Gainsborough Old Hall to English Heritage.  The Council would seek to transfer ownership and/or operation of remaining microsites at Discover Stamford, and Ellis Mill, Burgh le Marsh and Alford Windmills, but if that was not possible they would close as heritage attractions.

 

A ten-week public consultation was proposed to be held between 13 February 2019 and 24 April 2019.

 

During discussion on the report, the following points were noted: -

 

·         Reductions in government funding, with increased demand on mandatory services, had left discretionary services such as the large majority of the Heritage Service at risk of cuts in service. The County Council has had to make savings of £130 million since 2015, as a result of central government cuts and had experienced a 38% reduction in its funding between 2009/10 and 2016/17 with cost pressures expecting to continue. The proposed changes were a step towards making the heritage service self-sufficient, and would ultimately help achieve savings of approximately £750,000 per year;

·         The proposals identified a model which would enable continued public access to heritage, art and culture in a self-sustaining and affordable way;

·         The review of services and development of the detailed business case (DBA) had been carried out over a two year period.  The Executive expressed its thanks to the Heritage Working Group for its input into the proposals. A full asset review had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49


 

 
 
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