Agenda and minutes

Lizzy Alageswaran, Principal Officer – Public Arts, to report.

Please note that copies of the Appendices referred to have been made available at the Town Hall Reception and in the Members’ Room.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Director of Culture and Leisure, which proposed a panel to supervise the development and implementation of a strategy for Public Art in Rotherham, with reference to:

·              Toolkit for involving communities in Public Art.

·              Proposals for a public art scheme on the St. Ann’s Roundabout.

The report submitted set out in detail the contribution public art made to improving the environment and the consultation with the community and their involvement in environmental improvements widely recognised in the Borough.

In early 2008, the Community Arts Officer, Public Arts, Jennifer Booth, was commissioned with funds from Housing Market Renewal to consult with the public on possible creative interventions for public art for the Town Centre and also to recommend methods of consultation and involving communities which facilitated a meaningful contribution by individuals and residents. 

The report made reference to a number of current projects and the contribution to the development of public art for the Waverley Development.

The development of these projects raised a number of issues, the chief of which was an ad-hoc development of Public Art across the borough, with each scheme conforming to different strategies depending upon the funding criteria and the strategy for the individual site.  Other issues for consideration were detailed in the report.

To ensure that these issues were addressed in a consistent and informed manner it was proposed that a Public Art Steering Group for Rotherham Borough be established and the role of the Group was set out in detail in the submitted report.

Part of the proposals included an interview panel, the membership of which should have representation from agents who would be involved in installation and maintenance as well as commissioning and creative development, including from Planning, Transportation, Tourism, Streetpride, Housing Services and Cultural Services,

A key panel member would be the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development Services, along with a request for support form outside agencies, including Arts Council England.  Support from the local media would also be welcomed.

Cabinet Members took account that the Public Arts Steering Group would be the application body for funds from the Arts Council England to develop the Strategy and other sources identified by the Community Arts Service for implementation.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Public Art Steering Group and works referred to be approved.

(2)  That the funding arrangements be noted.