Minutes:
The Committee considered the undernoted report which included a list of recommendations for funding under the programme:
“1 Relevant Background Information
1.1 At the Committee meeting of 18 September 2012, Members agreed a Cultural Framework for Belfast 2012-15. This Framework complements the Council’s Investment Programme 2012-15 which states that we will invest over £4.5 million in enhancing cultural and arts sectors to create a dynamic and vibrant city.
1.2 In 2012-13 Belfast City Council’s Tourism, Culture and Arts Unit invested just over £1.4m to support arts activity. The majority of this funding was distributed through the Annual and Multi annual Funding schemes which gave core support to 53 local arts organisations and in addition there were three other grant schemes.
1.3 One of the targets of the Cultural Framework was to streamline and simplify our funding processes by December 2012. Within the Cultural Framework, Core Multi-Annual funding replaces the previous Annual Funding and Multi-annual Funding.
1.4 The purpose of the new Core Multi-annual Funding is to support core costs and associated programme costs, offering longer term sustainability for Belfast based arts or heritage organisations that have full time staff and ongoing annual costs, and that produce work which substantially benefits the city.
1.5 This report provides the Development Committee with recommendations for Core Multi-annual Funding for 3 years, from 2013-14 to 2015-16.
1.6 Organisations were able to apply for up to £50,000 towards core support. Organisations with a turnover greater than £1m and a year-round programme were permitted to request more than this.
1.7 The new Central Grants Unit has undertaken the grant administration so far and will continue with more efficient and effective management and monitoring of this grant.
1.8 Funding agreements are subject to receipt of a satisfactory monitoring report for 2012-13 (where relevant). Further conditions may be attached to letters of offer as deemed necessary.
1.9 Funding agreements are also subject to the submission of an updated budget reflecting the actual level of award offered, a viable and satisfactory revised programme, and evidence of funding from other key funders, as applicable.
1.10 In some cases, funding agreements will also be subject to clarification of operational budgets and an upper limit of funding may also be set, in order that our funding does not exceed the percentage of turnover agreed at the outset of the offer.
1.11 Applications received
The fund opened on 8 October 2012 and was publicised via newspapers and websites, and several email notifications were circulated widely. Over 70 organisations attended information sessions which were held on 19 & 26 October at City Hall. Officers also gave 43 one-to-one advice sessions to organisations seeking further guidance and support.
1.12 The closing date for receipt of applications was 16 November 2012. We received sixty eight applications, three of which were ineligible. Sixty five applications were assessed. Fifty two applications are recommended for support. Thirteen applications scored lower than the threshold and are not recommended for support.
1.13 Criteria for Decision making
Organisations were invited to show how their planned programme for 2013-2016 is aligned to the themes of the Cultural Framework, of which the theme of ‘Distinctly Belfast’ is central.
1.14 Assessments were made only on the basis of information supplied by the applicant within their submission. This included the application form, programme of activities and supporting documentation such as business plans and strategies.
1.15 Assessors considered the strategic fit of the proposed programme against the Framework.
1.16 Principles of the Assessment Process
Applications are received and eligibility checked by the Central Grants Unit before being passed to Tourism, Culture and Arts Officers for scoring.
1.17 A five day rule is implemented by the Central Grants Unit at the eligibility check stage for missing information such as accounts. This includes clarification of budgets or submission of additional supporting materials. Thereafter, officers do not return to applicants to request any additional details in relation to their applications.
1.18 Officers undertake a thorough assessment of all eligible applications. Assessments and applications are discussed and agreed at an internal panel.
1.19 As part of new centralised grants processes, an independent assessment panel made up of a Head of Service and Unit managers was established. The role of this assessment panel is ‘to ensure that the scoring of applications has been undertaken in an appropriate fashion and to provide verification or validation of sampled applications and the overall process’ (Williamson Consulting, 2012).
1.21 Rationale for funding allocations
Only applications scoring 65 per cent or over were recommended for funding.
1.22 In previous years our contribution to arts organisations’ core funding represented on average below five per cent of organisational turnover, with many variances. The Cultural Framework states the aim of increasing this contribution in line with national averages. In so doing, our support will be more effective and meaningful to the organisations who can best contribute to our objectives.
1.23 Officers considered if the amount requested by applicants was less than 10 per cent of their projected turnover in 2013/14. The scheme guidance notes state:
1.24 ‘Applicants should note that we currently fund organisations, on average, just under 5 per cent of their annual turnover. The Cultural Framework identified that in England, council’s fund approximately 8 per cent of turnover. Requests for funding should be realistic, and this may provide a reference point’.
1.25 In kind and additional funding from other Council sources was taken into account when calculating the percentage of request against turnover.
1.26 A formula was then used to look at the cost-benefit of the request relative to other organisations. The formula was based on their strategic fit score plus whether the request was reasonable compared to other organisations.
1.27 The moderation panels took all these considerations into account alongside their own knowledge and expertise, and agreed each individual award.
1.28 Flagship Fund
Funding for large-scale projects to help meet the objectives of the Cultural Framework has been agreed. The mechanism for this partnership based scheme has yet to be decided. Match funding may also be available to augment the resources.
Partnership working to strengthen the sector
In addition to supporting local arts and heritage organisations with core multi-annual funding, which creates stability to plan more effectively, we are keen to strengthen the sector at a strategic level.
We want to assist organisations to develop opportunities particularly under the Cultural Framework themes of Attracting Audiences and Inspiring Communities. Driving a city-wide, coordinated and practical approach to the development of these themes will maximise benefits for our residents and visitors.
We therefore wish to develop service level agreements with two of the sector’s key umbrella organisations Audiences NI and Community Arts Partnership. They will deliver specific work with our funded arts and heritage organisations which will help us meet the targets of the Cultural Framework, and ensure maximum benefit and value for money for our investment. Each SLA is valued at a maximum of £15k per annum. These will be reviewed annually and renewed subject to satisfactory performance and Committee approval.
2 Key Issues
2.1 52 organisations scored over the threshold of 65 percent and are recommended for CMAF support. The total level of funding recommended for allocation is £1,372,830. Details of individual awards are provided in Appendix 2.
2.2 Total request for funding was £2,345,231 which is substantially more than budget available.
2.3 CMAF funding, for those organisations eligible to apply for up to £50,000, will represent on average 6 per cent of their projected turnover for year one of their funding agreement. This is still 2% less than the national average of 8%.
2.4 In 2013-14, CMAF-supported organisations will provide an extensive programme of activities in Belfast. This will be seen by a projected audience of 3,994,506, and 197,459 participants will take part the collective programme.
2.5 In 2013/14, CMAF-supported organisations will help to support 7,374 full-time equivalent staff and 15,890 artist/practitioner contracts; and 92,638 volunteer hours.
2.6 On average, applicants recommended for funding will receive 71.8 per cent of their request. Eight organisations will receive 100 per cent of their request. Thirteen organisations will receive less than 60 per cent of their request.
2.7 Of the fifty two successful applicants, forty two organisations will receive an increase of their current allocation of funding. Two organisations will remain at the same level of allocation as previous years. Eight organisations will receive less than their current allocation of funding – some substantially so.
2.8 Of the fifty two successful organisations, nine are not currently in receipt of core funding from the Unit: McCracken Cultural Society; Arts & Disability Forum; An Droichead; Lagan Legacy; Arts for All; Craft & Design Collective; Belfast Photo Festival; Ulster Architectural Heritage Society; Spectrum Centre.
2.9 Of the thirteen unsuccessful organisations, seven are currently in receipt of annual funding: Belfast Print Workshop; Beyond Skin; Creative Exchange; East Belfast Arts Collective; Festival of Fools; Moving on Music; Music Theatre 4 Uth.
2.10 Members are asked to take note of those organisations who will receive either a 100% cut or a substantial reduction in their current allocation of funding, and consider options which may mitigate against negative relations or press.
2.11 The Flagship Fund to support the Cultural Framework has yet to have an agreed mechanism. As this financial resource is part of the Investment Strategy, Members may wish to avail of a structured opportunity to discuss the development of this scheme.
3 Resource Implications
3.1 Financial
Funding is included in the Tourism, Culture and Arts Unit’s draft budget estimates for 2013–2014.
4 Recommendations
4.1 It is recommended that Members:
1. note the contents of this report and agree the recommendations for Core Multi-annual Funding;
2. agree to attend a workshop to discuss allocation of Flagship Fund; and
3. agree to developing service level agreements with Audiences NI and Community Arts Partnership to work in partnership with the unit and deliver specific actions during 2013-2016.”
|
Core Multi-annual Funding for Arts and Heritage 2013/16 |
|||||
|
Recommended Awards |
|||||
|
Name of Organisation |
per cent score |
Request Per Year |
Recommend Amount |
Yr 1 turnover projected by body (13-14) |
% of turnover by BCC CMAF |
|
Accidental Theatre |
56 |
£50,000 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Aisling Ghear |
68 |
£9,254 |
£6,000 |
£198,484 |
3.0% |
|
An Culturlann |
82 |
£50,000 |
£39,000 |
£571,605 |
6.8% |
|
An Droichead |
77 |
£49,110 |
£25,000 |
£328,674 |
7.6% |
|
Andersonstown Music School |
81 |
£4,000 |
£4,000 |
£173,614 |
2.3% |
|
Arts & Disability Forum |
78 |
£20,000 |
£12,000 |
£221,055 |
5.4% |
|
Arts For All |
72 |
£16,500 |
£10,000 |
£197,916 |
5.1% |
|
ArtsEkta |
80 |
£40,000 |
£30,000 |
£562,000 |
5.3% |
|
Beat Initiative |
84 |
£50,000 |
£40,000 |
£558,960 |
7.2% |
|
Belfast Buildings Trust |
60 |
£45,000 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Belfast Community Circus School |
80 |
£40,120 |
£38,000 |
£487,960 |
7.8% |
|
Belfast Exposed |
70 |
£40,000 |
£25,000 |
£319,686 |
7.8% |
|
Belfast Festival at Queen's |
77 |
£90,000 |
£39,000 |
£1,765,020 |
2.2% |
|
Belfast Film Festival |
70 |
£35,000 |
£28,000 |
£356,400 |
7.9% |
|
Belfast Photo Festival |
68 |
£12,000 |
£8,000 |
£236,441 |
3.4% |
|
Belfast Print Workshop |
59 |
£30,000 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Beyond Skin |
50 |
£9,000 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Black Box |
69 |
£39,000 |
£23,000 |
£523,363 |
4.4% |
|
Bruiser Theatre Company |
79 |
£18,000 |
£18,000 |
£223,384 |
8.1% |
|
Cahoots NI |
84 |
£33,753 |
£16,000 |
£337,028 |
4.7% |
|
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival |
82 |
£42,000 |
£39,000 |
£440,000 |
8.9% |
|
Cathedral Quarter Trust |
62 |
£16,000 |
£0 |
|
0.0% |
|
Cinemagic |
65 |
£50,000 |
£20,000 |
£500,426 |
4.0% |
|
Community Arts Partnership |
72 |
£49,999 |
£35,000 |
£291,170 |
12.0% |
|
Craft and Design Collective |
70 |
£9,256 |
£6,000 |
£147,586 |
4.1% |
|
Creative Exchange |
56 |
£12,305 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Crescent Arts Centre |
76 |
£50,000 |
£38,000 |
£600,300 |
6.3% |
|
Dance Resource Base |
55 |
£4,960 |
£0 |
|
|
|
DU Dance |
88 |
£17,500 |
£12,000 |
£179,891 |
6.7% |
|
East Belfast Arts Collective |
Ineligible |
£0 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Feile an Phobail |
79 |
£50,000 |
£39,000 |
£1,382,186 |
2.8% |
|
Festival of Fools |
59 |
£19,420 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Flax Arts |
Ineligible |
£7,203 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Glor Na Mona |
56 |
£9,100 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Golden Thread Gallery |
80 |
£30,208 |
£30,208 |
£307,858 |
9.8% |
|
Grand Opera House Trust |
77 |
£120,000 |
£35,000 |
£6,575,242 |
0.5% |
|
Green Shoot Productions |
65 |
£21,831 |
£10,000 |
£267,780 |
3.7% |
|
Kabosh |
95 |
£33,979 |
£25,000 |
£429,097 |
5.8% |
|
Kids in Control |
76 |
£30,000 |
£15,101 |
£167,615 |
9.0% |
|
Lagan Legacy |
76 |
£30,000 |
£15,000 |
£162,500 |
9.2% |
|
Linen Hall Library |
71 |
£45,000 |
£35,000 |
£860,350 |
4.1% |
|
MAC |
90 |
£100,000 |
£75,000 |
£2,332,922 |
4.3% |
|
Maiden Voyage |
73 |
£9,763 |
£9,763 |
£122,033 |
8.0% |
|
McCracken Cultural Society |
84 |
£20,000 |
£15,000 |
£166,119 |
9.0% |
|
Moving on Music |
54 |
£38,500 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Music Theatre for Youth |
49 |
£26,586 |
£0 |
|
|
|
New Lodge Arts |
70 |
£38,000 |
£23,000 |
£381,070 |
6.0% |
|
NI Opera |
50 |
£35,000 |
£0 |
|
|
|
Northern Visions |
72 |
£40,000 |
£25,000 |
£317,822 |
7.9% |
|
Oh Yeah Music Centre |
66 |
£45,000 |
£23,000 |
£412,289 |
5.6% |
|
Open Arts |
71 |
£16,000 |
£14,000 |
£217,679 |
6.4% |
|
Open House Festival |
78 |
£50,000 |
£23,000 |
£753,622 |
3.1% |
|
Prime Cut Productions |
66 |
£50,000 |
£15,000 |
£964,979 |
1.6% |
|
Queen St Studios |
69 |
£15,036 |
£6,000 |
£63,262 |
9.5% |
|
Queen's Film Theatre |
70 |
£30,000 |
£18,000 |
£736,631 |
2.4% |
|
Replay Productions |
83 |
£18,695 |
£15,000 |
£326,607 |
4.6% |
|
Source |
71 |
£5,000 |
£5,000 |
£96,000 |
5.2% |
|
Spectrum Centre |
66 |
£43,061 |
£23,000 |
£449,918 |
5.1% |
|
Streetwise Community Circus |
66 |
£25,000 |
£14,000 |
£195,955 |
7.1% |
|
Terra Nova Productions |
50 |
£9,357 |
£0 |
|
|
|
The John Hewitt |
Ineligible |
£11,000 |
£0 |
|
|
|
The Lyric |
82 |
£100,000 |
£100,000 |
£2,727,000 |
3.7% |
|
Tinderbox |
74 |
£30,000 |
£20,000 |
£364,169 |
5.5% |
|
Ulster Architectural Heritage Society |
68 |
£9,475 |
£9,475 |
£98,975 |
9.6% |
|
Ulster Orchestra |
71 |
£149,283 |
£149,283 |
£3,739,246 |
4.0% |
|
Wheelworks |
67 |
£12,800 |
£10,000 |
£160,000 |
6.3% |
|
Young at Art |
78 |
£50,000 |
£38,000 |
£453,909 |
8.4% |
|
Youth Action NI |
73 |
£38,177 |
£27,000 |
£343,757 |
7.9% |
|
TOTAL |
|
2,345,231 |
1,372,830 |
||
During discussion, a number of Members indicated that they had been contacted by an organisation which had been unsuccessful in its application for assistance under the funding scheme. It was suggested, given the scale and proven track record of the organiser in delivering events over recent years, that the application be revisited by officers from within the Department.
The Director pointed out that all the applications had been subjected to robust scrutiny and measured in accordance with pre-agreed criteria which had been endorsed by the Committee. He cautioned against any action which might be deemed as favouring one unsuccessful applicant over another and stated that applications could only be assessed on the information which had been submitted. He indicated that, whilst the applicant had been unsuccessful in this instance, there were a range of other funding streams available which could assist in the delivery of the event. He stated that the Department would endeavour to work with all the unsuccessful applicants to clarify how the scoring mechanism had been applied and to suggest other funding streams which could be of use to them.
After further discussion, the Committee endorsed the funding allocations as set out and adopted the recommendations.