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Minutes
Cultural & Arts Committee
15th March 1999
Minutes of Cultural & Arts Committee held in the Committee Room, Council Offices, 47 Derry Road, Strabane, on Monday 15th March 1999 at 10.00pm.
Present: In the Chair: Cllr J. Emery Other Members: Cllrs. I. Barr, Mrs A. Bell, J. Donnell, Hussey, C. McHugh, E. McMenamin, J. McNulty, I. Murtagh, J.O’Kane. Total = 10
In Attendance: Clerk & Chief Executive
Community Services Officer
Administrative Assistant
Apologies: Cllrs. T. McBride, E. Mullen,
Turner MBE.
Minutes of Meeting
It was noted that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Cultural & Arts Committee held on Monday 15th February 1999 had already been adopted by Council.
Matters Arising from Minutes
Puddle Alley Theatre Group
Councillor McMenamin expressed disappointment regarding the allocation of £150.00 towards the above Group’s application as compared to previous years when Council contributed £300.00. He informed the members that a member of the Group complained to him recently and informed him that the Group felt insulted as they have achieved great success in the past from their performances.
The Community Services Officer in response to Councillor McMenamin’s comments explained that the Theatre Group had previously applied under Voluntary Contribution Budget under which the maximum sum of £300.00 had been awarded In this instance the Group applied under Arts Development and it would be unfair to contribute a different level of funding to them compared to other Groups of similar circumstances.
Bradley Publication
The Community Services Officers informed the members that the Strabane Historical Society forwarded a proposal for the cost of the above publication and explained to the members that the Society’s proposal is on the basis of Partnership. In their proposal they have listed the various options available for grant-aid and she advised that Council was being requested to provide £4,500.00 and would subsequently receive 200 copies.
Councillor Barr reflected back to previous years when Council had supported the publication without any acknowledgement of their contribution and as a result, full credit was directed towards the Strabane History Society. Councillor Emery agreed with Councillor Barr’s remarks and suggested further negotiations with the History Society.
In response to Councillor Barr’s query regarding joint ownership, the Community Services Officer said that there should be clear acknowledgement of Council Support and funding. The Chief Executive suggested acknowledgement be made compulsory if Council consider it a condition of Grant-Aid. He further advised that he was confident there was sufficient funding within the Cultural & Arts Budget to cover the project to a break-even position, or, if members wished they could sanction funding this year specifically for this project and retain it until the next financial year.
Discussion ensued after which Councillor Barr proposed, seconded by Councillor O’Kane that Council contribute the sum of £3,500 on the understanding that the Council’s support would be clearly acknowledged in the publication and that the Council would receive 220 complimentary books. This was agreed.
Grant Aid Applications
Mr Steven Patterson
The Community Services Officer referred to the above applicant seeking funding towards the publication of a booklet to mark 60 years of the Ford Ferguson Tractor. The estimated cost is £600.00 and the previous publication of a similar type book generated £50.00 of profit which was donated towards a charity.
Discussion ensued after which, Councillor Barr proposed, seconded by Councillor Donnell that Council contribute a sum of £100 towards the project under the condition that Council’s contribution towards the publication is acknowledged.
Strabane Concert Brass Band
The Community Services Officer referred to the application from the above Band and explained to the members that funding is sought towards the participation of the Band in a Peace and Reconciliation Concert to be held in Warrington on the 20th March 1999. The Band will also perform in Liverpool Cathedral on the same day for a similar service.
Discussion ensued after which Councillor O’Kane proposed, seconded by Councillor Barr that Council contribute £300 towards the event.
Open Arts/Derg Valley Care
The Community Services Officer referred to the above application for part funding and reminded members that at a previous meeting it was decided to defer a decision until clarification of Co-operation Ireland contributing was sought. She informed the members that to date no final indication of a contribution had been received, although at a recent meeting, funders had responded positively to the proposal.
Discussion ensued after which Councillor Barr proposed, seconded by Councillor O’Kane that Council contribute the sum of £300. This was agreed.
Mournederg Regeneration Initiative
The Community Services Officer referred to the above application and reminded the members that the request for funding was outstanding from the previous meeting, as Council had decided to await the outcome of Co-operation Ireland contributing. The Community Services Officer explained to the members that the total project cost over 18 months is in the region of £115,000 and match funding will be required from Council and a Donegal source. She further advised that under the criteria Council have to consider the application under co-promotion of projects.
The Community Services Officer suggested opting for a pro-rata commitment for the first year of funding, which will leave an option for the group to seek other sources of funding.
Following discussion Councillor Barr proposed, seconded by Councillor O’Kane that Council contribute the sum of £3000 over 2 years with the funding to be withheld until the final funding package was agreed.
The proposal was put to the Committee and was carried by 6 votes to 1.
Letter from Adapt Ltd seeking Financial Assistance
The Community Services Officer referred to correspondence received on 25th February 1999 from the above company, requesting support from Council to assist in the work of ADAPT NI in securing a more equitable arts and community environment for people with disabilities through ‘Initiative 2004’. The Community Services Officer explained to the members that the key plan is for ADAPT volunteers to visit venues in their own areas to carry out access appraisals, the results of which will be published in Access Guides.
The Community Services Officer said that she was sympathetic towards the aims and objectives of the Company but from Council’s perspective would insist on seeking some clarification as to when they would intend to do work within the District.
Discussion ensued after which Councillor Barr proposed, seconded by Councillor O’Kane that the application be deferred until more information was sought regarding
involvement within the Strabane District Area. This was agreed.
Arts Development Initiative
The Community Services Officer reported on the above and informed the members that the Council agreed to co-ordinate consultation in preparation of a bid for Sports and Arts theme under the District Partnership. Mrs McFarland explained to the members that she was updating them on the completed process as a decision on who constructs the programme bid has to be made. The Community Services Officer advised the members that £165,000 has to be allocated between Sports and Arts.
Discussion ensued after which it was agreed that the Chairmen of the Cultural & Arts Committee and Council attend a meeting with Border Reach and the Arts Council to determine the best way forward.
Local Authorities Waste Management Co-operation Group
Integrated Waste Management System
The Chief Executive referred to the above seminar to be held on Thursday 25th March 1999 at 10.00am at Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown and sought confirmation from any member who wished to attend.
It was noted that Councillors Barr and Kerrigan had already confirmed their attendance.
The meeting concluded at 10.45pm.
