Contact: Helen Wheeler, ext 5444 helen.wheeler@hants.gov.uk
Stuart Dorward, ext 6110 stuart.dorward@hants.gov.uk
1. Introduction
1.1 In September 2007 the Executive Member authorised the development of a new cultural strategy for Hampshire. The first stage in this process was the publication of a discussion document in November. This report reviews the responses to that document and recommends that approval is given to developing a draft cultural strategy for further consultation between February and April this year.
2. Recommendations
2.1 That approval be given to the preparation of a new Cultural Strategy for Hampshire for consideration by the Culture and Communities Select Committee and the Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage
2.2 That the draft Cultural Strategy be subject to a full public consultation for a period of three months from February to April 2008 to incorporate a variety of feedback opportunities.
3. Background
3.1 In October 2007 a presentation to the Culture and Communities Select Committee briefed members on the draft discussion paper "A New Cultural Strategy for Hampshire?". The final version of this document was published for consultation on Hantsweb from 2 November until 21 December 2007.
3.2 Over the past year there had been informal consultation and discussion with the County Council's partners about the future direction for cultural services in Hampshire. The discussion paper was targeted particularly at County Councillors, the District Councils, HIOWLA, and other cultural providers in Hampshire. It posed a series of questions relating to the value and understanding of culture, the factors most likely to affect the cultural life of Hampshire over the next two decades, explored the concept of a `cultural entitlement' and sought views on the factors affecting the future role of local authorities as cultural providers and the need for a new Cultural Strategy.
4. Summary of consultation responses
4.1 The online response form and direct mailing to interested organisations and individuals received a total of 22 responses; 13 from individuals, six from local authorities, two from Councillors and one arts organisation. Responses were also received on behalf of PUSH and the Portfolio Holder for Community and Youth.
4.2 The responses strongly support the proposition of a shared understanding and definition of culture. However, the comments suggest that the definition should be broad and inclusive and that `more work needs to be done to ensure that all sectors of our community feel that culture is inclusive'. At the moment there is a perception that some aspects of culture are exclusive and available only to small group of people. There was also comment that, in the words of one respondent, `the strategy should describe the vision for those public services over which we have influence - a partnership framework.'
4.3 There is recognition by those responding that people do value culture and that existing surveys provide evidence of the value and satisfaction with cultural services and facilities. However there is a strong feeling that we do not actually know enough about how and what people value and that `further work needs to undertaken at a local level, specifically consultation on what the public value and want, so that Hampshire can have a fully informed policy.'
4.4 There is a split of views on the idea of a `cultural entitlement'. Some regard it as patronising while others consider it something that everyone believes they already have. Even those supporting the idea in principle express concerns about the possible implications of defining an entitlement e.g. ability to meet agreed standards or level of provision, the cost of doing so and that `it may constrain service development, creativity and innovation'. But there was also a view that it could deliver economies of scale, encourage cross-border working and drive `a commitment from all bodies to invest in culture'.
4.5 On the future role of local authorities and public bodies in preserving Hampshire's cultural heritage and developing new cultural expression, the responses show a strong feeling for a supportive and enabling role that may include;
· raising awareness
· providing funding and advice
· the ability to `invest in shared space in local communities'
· working in partnership
· leadership in the use of new technologies and providing new opportunities.
The I CAN project at Queen Elizabeth Country Park was quoted as an example of helping smaller groups to get things done by working in partnership. There is a clear feeling that preserving the existing cultural heritage and services needs to be balanced with encouraging opportunities for new experiences, to be `contemporary, creative and innovative so that we create the cultural heritage of the future.'
4.6 Principal among the factors and concerns that respondents feel will have an impact on the cultural life of Hampshire over the next two decades are;
· Funding - cuts in government funding, other pressures and priorities taking funding away from investment in culture such as health issues and an ageing population, the non-statutory nature of arts funding and the financial impact of the 2012 Olympics
· Population change - the increase in population, the increasing numbers of older people and the impact of immigration creating more diverse communities.
Other factors mentioned include business and economic development (Diamonds for Growth and PUSH) influencing the direction of resources, travel and access issues and the social aspects of how people choose to spend their leisure time.
4.7 The suggestions on the role of local authorities in shaping Hampshire's cultural facilities and services in future include;
· To provide leadership, to plan ahead and develop a strategic long-term vision in partnership
· To ensure culture is recognised in the Local Area Agreement and the work of Local Strategic Partnerships
· To work more with the private sector and be more proactive in seeking grant funding
· To continue to provide and maintain the mainstream provision but also be innovative in supporting and encouraging new cultural opportunities.
4.8 There is strong view in the responses that Hampshire needs an agreed Cultural Strategy to provide a framework for cultural delivery in the future and to ensure that, as a county, we have a shared cultural direction and that provision remains a priority.
5. Impact Assessment
5.1 A full impact assessment will be carried out on the consultation process and draft strategy.
6. Financial Implications
6.1 There are no direct financial implications of the decision to develop a new cultural strategy.
7. Legal Implications
7.1 There are no legal issues arising from the decision to develop a new cultural strategy.
Links to Corporate Strategy
Yes No
Hampshire safer and more secure for all _
Maximising well-being _
Enhancing our quality of place _
Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers
The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.
N.B. the list excludes:
1. Published works.
2. Documents that disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.
TITLE LOCATION
Consultation responses Recreation and Heritage Department