Agenda item

The committee is asked to consider the final report from the Cultural Grants Task and Finish Group. Representatives from both Chichester Festival Theatre and Pallant House Gallery will attend. Questions have been sent to both organisations to answer in their presentations.

Mrs Apel welcomed Mr Alan Finch, Director of Chichester Festival Theatre (CFT).

Mr Finch explained that the 2015/16 year was the first full operating year after RENEW and had been a huge success. Shows had successfully transferred to London, some receiving critical acclaim. The production Gypsy was filmed whilst in London, resulting in a special BBC programme.

Mr Finch explained that the plan to renovate CFT began in 2007 following a VAT rebate. Redevelopment created an additional 100 seats so at full capacity the main theatre can now accommodate 1300 people. Over two years there had been a 20,000 increase in the audience figures. Additional seats create greater revenue for popular productions. RENEW raised £22 million of which £2.6 million was used to refurbish the Minerva theatre. The restaurant can now cater for a greater number of covers. Additional changing room space makes the theatre more appealing to actors and actresses and disabled access has been improved.

Mr Finch explained that the Youth Theatre produced Running Wild and were given a five star review by The Times newspaper. Subsequently Regents Park Theatre will be working with professionals and the Youth Theatre to show the production which will be codirected by a member of CFT staff.

Mr Finch acknowledged that CFT experienced some technical problems on the first day of ticket sales this season, however around 50,000 tickets were sold. Around 10%-15% of tickets are sold to new customers.

Mr Finch informed the committee that when productions leave CFT there is no financial risk attached. CFT receives a percentage of the ticket sales which can generate up to £200,000 in a good year.

During the 11 seasons Mr Finch and Mr Church have been Directors, 50 shows have continued after Chichester. Mr Finch suggested that the key to this success was creating theatre suitable to Chichester rather than creating theatre with the end goal of it showing in London.

Mr Finch explained that the apprenticeship programme is part funded by philanthropic sources. Apprenticeships available have included light, sound and stage work. Most apprentices have day release to a relevant training course at Chichester College. Past apprentices have been employed in theatre and education settings.

The Committee asked the following questions:

·       Do apprentices receive a qualification? More theatre qualifications are being developed particularly in the areas of lighting and video work. Some apprentices choose specific skill based qualifications.

·       What are the long term aspirations for the Minerva? In 2012 the lighting and sound equipment were replaced. The recent refurbishment has made the Minerva modernised for the 21^st century. Changes will increase audience enjoyment and therefore sustainability for the long term.

·       Will the refurbishment of the Minerva improve disability access both inside and out? The lift has been replaced. There are disabled ramps to the terrace and restaurant. There has also been an addition of a ground floor disabled toilet.

·       What is CFT’s aspiration towards self-sufficiency? CFT is not a commercial theatre. The theatre is part of the local culture and appropriate funding is required. Currently CFT receives £1.9 million funding and would not be sustainable without some public funding. The theatre attracts visitors who benefit the local economy and provides community engagement activities.

·       In reference to the Service Level Agreement could it be clarified that Chichester District Council does not get involved in deciding what is artistic and of high quality? CFT is a registered charity with a clear constitution. A board of governors hire and fire the Directors. The Directors suggest the artistic direction which is then approved by the Board.

·       Was the theatre in the park tent sold? The theatre in the park tent was sold two weeks ago.

·       Does the theatre fund artists? A range of artists have shown interest in either specific shows or the theatre building (including many visual arts students). Artists are allowed to attend rehearsals and shows and although they are not paid are given free access to help with their work.

·       Is CFT’s success sustainability after the current Directors leave? It is important that members and the public back the new Directors as they have the current Directors. The Board have appointed two very capable Directors with a vast array of experience.

Mrs Apel read a note from Mrs Graves congratulating Mr Finch on his success at CFT. The Committee applauded Mr Finch and thanked him for all he had done for CFT.

Mr Ransley withdrew to the public seating area.

Mrs Apel welcomed Mr Steene and Mr Martin, Co-Directors of Pallant House Gallery (PHG).

Mr Steene explained that 2015/16 had been a successful year for PHG with a high level of press coverage including international recognition from the New York Times. Many artists that have exhibited first at PHG have gone on to tour.

Mr Steene explained that PHG saw 56,000 visitors in the last year. 18% of visitors were from within the district, 40% from Portsmouth and Guildford postcodes, 32% from elsewhere, 8% from London and 2% from overseas. One artist provided feedback stating that PHG is an essential day out with a breathtaking permanent exhibition and one of the most important spaces in Europe.

Mr Steene explained that the average spend per visitor is £6.80 with £3.3m achieved from additional spend. The refurbished café and restaurant has seen an increase in takings of 46%.

Mr Steene explained that an economic impact study has been carried out and the results were very positive. Results will be shared with Members shortly. One of the areas for consideration will be the best and most successful forms of communication.

Mr Steene explained that 191 people took part in community programmes of which 108 live within the Chichester District. In addition 19 separate schools with 600 school children took part in the schools programme. Due to the success and popularity of community art courses more dates including weekends are planned. The Outside In Project had proved highly successful for disabled artists. PHG took part in the Living with Dementia Festival and helped run a partnership competition with St Wilfrid’s Hospice raising £2,800. PHG held successful free open weekends with the May bank holiday seeing 1300 visitors. PHG has also worked with West Dean and the Cass Sculpture Foundation and may coordinate a 40 artist exhibition at the Oxmarket Centre. Although the university placements were not all taken up they will be offered again this year.

Mr Steene shared the following news:

·       PHG has successfully achieved Arts Council funding including specific funds for lighting facilities

·       The Arts Council have awarded PHG an Edgar Degas piece for display

·       The new wing of the building sees its 10^th anniversary in 2016

·       HRH Princess Alexandra will be visiting in July 2016

The Committee asked the following questions:

·       Do the attendance figures account for people who visited more than once? The headcount is per visit not per person.

·       Have visitors been asked what brings them to PHG? The economic impact study provides some details. The front of house team will look at ways to capture this information going forward.

·       Which types of advertising are most successful? It is hoped that further visitor enquiries will provide this information. It will be useful to compare regionally.

·       What is the secret to PHG’s success? Showcasing British artists and the community opportunities and feel of the building. People use PHG instead of day centres. The historic house with contemporary extension is unique in that it creates a home for art. PHG provides a good starting point for many artists to go on to exhibit elsewhere. The recent trees exhibition made of knitting and crochet by visitors embodies the galleries community working ethos.

·       What is the future sustainability of PHG exhibitions? Costs of exhibitions are rising due to insurance and transport costs. Temporary exhibitions are being sponsored and fundraising takes place to support the costs.

·       What impact has the refurbished coffee bar had? It caters for a wide range of needs and has maximised the opportunity for the franchise.

The committee congratulated Mr Steene and Mr Martin for their hard work.

RESOLVED

1.     That the Cultural Grants Task and Finish Group report be noted

2.     That the 2015/16 annual reports and 2016/17 Service Level Agreements from Pallant House Gallery and Chichester Festival Theatre be endorsed