Agenda and minutes

An apology for inability to attend was reported on behalf of Councillor T. Kelly.

No declarations of interest were reported.

The Director of Economic Development advised the Committee that the purpose of the report was to update Members on the dedicated programme of work and funding schemes supporting artist-led organisations in the city.  He referred Members to the report that had been circulated and to the appendices attached to the report.

 The Committee commended the Director of Economic Development and his officers on their work to date in relation to the Artist Studios and Makers Space.

 The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed the recommendations for artist studio grants.

The Director of Economic Development updated Members on the dedicated programme of work relating to capacity building and the resultant extended cultural programme feeding `Belfast Imagining’ our year of culture in the city.

After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report and progress against delivery of capacity building and the extended cultural programme.  The Committee also approved the programme regarding the extended cultural programme and associated expenditure to:

-        Traditional Irish groups and activities - £100,000

-        Minority Ethnic groups and activities - £50,000

-        LGBTQ+ groups and activities - £50,000

After further discussion, it was agreed that officers would liaise with the Director of Finance and Resources to ascertain if additional funding could be made available for minority ethnic groups and LGBTQ+ groups.  It was also agreed that officers would engage with the sector to ascertain whether the funding could be utilised by their groups. 

It was agreed that officers would arrange for Giant’s Park Limited to be invited to present at a future Special meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee.