Agenda item

The Arts Development Officer spoke of the arts organisations which she worked with, including Take Art, Actiontrack, Somerset Arts Week and Somerset Film.  She said that SSDC also supported initiatives with voluntary and professional artists as well as local arts centres in Somerton and South Petherton and a new arts project for libraries. Support was also given to South Petherton Folk Festival, the Langport Festival, the Arts Directory and the Octagon Gallery.

The Arts and Entertainment Manager advised that there were 264 performances per year at the Octagon Theatre and the attendance figures continued to climb.  They had found £90,000 in efficiency savings and had received their second Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence.  Highlights for the year included 8 sold out performances of The Mousetrap, the Cinderella pantomime had already sold 10,000 tickets, the 5^th year of the Yeovil Literary Festival, the café bar hosted a cancer care café and the support which the theatre received from its 100 Foyer Club volunteers. 

The Arts and Entertainment Manager then outlined the facilities at the new Westland Venue.  This included the ballroom which had seating for 870 and standing capacity was 950.  They also had smaller bookable suites and the Studio 2 fitness centre.  The venue was attracting a broad range of events from boxing, weddings, conferences, comedy nights, bands, Yeovil Beer Festival, the Somerset Business Show and film screenings.  He stressed the venue was open to all to enjoy. 

In response to questions from members, the Arts and Entertainment Manager confirmed that a revised business plan for the Westland venue would be presented to District Executive in December detailing the future break even date.  He also confirmed that he was responsible for the booking of artists and he took account of feedback from other venues and reviews when doling this. 

Councillor Sylvia Seal, as Portfolio Holder, congratulated the Arts and Entertainment Manager and his team for ensuring the Westland venue opened on time.  She also noted the £90,000 raised by the Foyer Club volunteers towards the development of the Octagon Theatre and local charities. 

During discussion it was noted that SSDC stepped in to take over the Westland venue at the request of the community.  It was also noted that remote villages appreciated the art and theatre performances in local halls by Take Art. 

At the conclusion of the debate, members were content to note the reports of the Arts Development Officer and the Arts and Entertainment Manager.