Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director – Environment, Highways, and Community Services.

The Creative Darlington Manager introduced a report (previously circulated) to update members on progress in delivering the priories set out in the Darlington Cultural Strategy 2022-2026 and the 2024/25 Action Plan. Additionally, the Creative Darlington Manager sought Member opinions of the Action Plan for 2025/2026.

The Creative Darlington Manager detailed how the Darlington Cultural Strategy 2022-2026 (previously circulated) was approved in 2022/23 and was informed by research, including the 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.

It was maintained that the priority outlined within the strategy is to focus the council’s cultural vision and assist in advocating and fundraising for events taking place within the timespan covered in the document. Therefore, it was stated that the Strategy has been shared with various parties to support successful applications s for activities and commissions in Darlington borough.

A definition of culture was provided by the Creative Darlington Manager, who cited the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with such definition covering the following areas: Arts (including visual arts, literature, music, theatre and dance), Architecture, Crafts, Creative Industries, Design, Heritage, Historic Environment, Museums and Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Film, Broadcasting and Media.

The Creative Darlington Manager touched upon successful areas of the plan in 2024/25, notably the opening of Hopetown, the Launch of the Stockton & Darlington Railway 200 (S&DR200 henceforth) festival, the first full year of the Darlington Library, and events celebrating diversity, all of which resulting in an increase in footfall in the town centre. Reference was also made to North East Films, with 70 short films being showcased and record box office sales at the Hippodrome for Sleeping Beauty.

Members then began to ask questions on the report heard at the meeting. Firstly, a concern was raised with regards to maintaining the uptake in numbers of visitors to Hopetown following the S&DR200 celebrations this year, as numbers are less than originally expected and are expected to fall lower once the festival is over. The officer answered in saying that the venue is being used to put on further events in the future which will garner further interest and income.

Members also addressed the library and asked whether any specific issues had been reported about the establishment. The Officer responded that following a tour of the library in May the response from out of Area visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with the Hive specifically being complemented.

Members asked further questions regarding the type of attractions available at Hopetown and voiced disappointment at the selection of trains being displayed at certain events held at the facility. The officer responded by noting how exhibitions are selected with the intention of building momentum, and that sometimes those advertised are required elsewhere.

Members referred back to the mentioning of North East Films and subsequently asked questions regarding the success of the service area in securing Darlington’s attractions as filming events for mainstream media. The officer replied that whilst Darlington did not receive notable interest from mainstream corporations, the Council has signed up the films Council to aid this in the future.

Finally, members turned to the Action Plan, and questioned whether the action plan would result in bids being submitted going forward. The Officer replied stating that whilst no bids have been successfully received so far, there is optimism as the Arts Council has increased the scale of smaller grants that the Council anticipates to receive.

Recommendation:

(a) Members note the update on progress on the 2024/25 Action Plan

(b) Members consider the Action Plan for 2025/26

RESOLVED –

(a) Members noted the update on progress on the 2024/25 Action Plan.

(b) Members considered the Action Plan for 2025/2026.