Agenda item

Report of the Group Director of Services

The Group Director of Services submitted a report (previously circulated) to provide an update to Members on the progress of delivering the priorities in the Darlington Cultural Strategy 2022-2026 and the 2023/24 Action Plan.

The submitted report informed Members that the Darlington Cultural Strategy 2022-2026 was approved back in 2022/23 and was informed by research, including previous Darlington focused Arts Enquiry Report, development work since that date and discussion with stakeholders including: Arts Council England, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and the Creative Darlington Board.

The report advised that the main drivers for the Darlington Cultural Strategy 2022-2026 was to focus on cultural vision and assist advocacy and fundraising wards cultural priorities within the timespan of the document. The strategy used a definition of culture set out by the department of Culture, Media and Sport which covered the following areas: Arts, Architecture, Crafts, Creative Industries, Desing, Hertiage, Historic Environment, Museums and Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Film, Broadcasting and Media.

The report notified Members of the five priorities which Darlington Cultural Strategy seeks to address between 2022 and 2026 which were; To creatively celebrate Darlington’s contribution to the birth of the modern passenger railway, For Darlington to have accessible, diverse and vibrant culture, encouraging economic growth, For Darlington to champion engagement with culture, particularly amongst children and young people, For culture to thrive within Darlington Borough and attract visitors to the Town Centre, For Darlington to have a thriving theatre offer involving people of all ages.

The report reflected the considerable progress which was made in 2023/24 in addressing particular priorities. One of the priorities which has progressed was the reopening of the Darlington Library post restoration back in September 2023.

Members wanted clarification around the usage of the building known as The Bridge – Centre for Visual Arts and whether the equipment has ever been utilised.

The report stated that Darlington promoted an extensive programme of events throughout 2023/24 which attracted visitors of all ages to Darlington Town Centre, in addition to the Eurovision and Coronation Programme, plus children and young people focused events. Members wanted to identify what percentage of children attended these events and how this information can be recorded.

Members entered into discussion around the Darlington Borough Council Website and how the Hopetown attraction has not been promoted through this. Members also discussed how to organise events in smaller villages outside of the Town Centre, officers advised this is dependent on ownerships and insurances of buildings which would hold the event.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.