Agenda item

            The Director of Development updated the Members on the development of the bid with Derry City and Strabane District Council to become the UK designated city for the European Capital of Culture 2023.

            The Members were reminded that a joint workshop had been held at the Seamus Heaney Centre, Bellaghy, on 19th June where Members from both Councils had explored the opportunities and benefits of progressing the bid, gained insight into the experiences of other European Capitals of Culture in terms of the positive legacy which had been created and shaped the emerging vision and themes of the bid.

            The Director advised the Committee that significant progress had been made on developing the bid with a number of activities having taken place, including:

·        an official media launch in both cities which had resulted in significant broadcast, print and online coverage;

·        an ongoing civic engagement programme with over 2,000 people across both Council areas having directly engaged with the European Capital of Culture team which helped to shape the emerging themes;

·        a detailed community engagement through both Councils in terms of summer schemes and activities, as well as partner organisations; and

·        a series of sessions with the wider cultural sector to begin to develop programme ideas

            He explained that, in order to ensure further Member engagement, it was proposed that a second workshop would be held at the beginning of September. It was outlined that the workshop would provide Members with a detailed update on the engagement process and the associated themes for the bid, an overview of programme content and discussion on the level of financial commitment required and the associated funding strategy.

            Given the timelines associated with the submission of the final stage 1 bid, the Director explained that an update report would be submitted to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee at its meeting on 13th September, with the final proposal and financial information being submitted to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for its consideration on 22nd September, 2017.

            The Director informed the Committee that a request had been received for the Lord Mayor to attend the launch of the Belfast International Arts Festival 2017, in New York, on 18th September, 2017. He explained that this would provide a platform to promote the European Capital of Culture bid as part of a three day programme and that there would be opportunities to undertake further engagement on the key themes emerging for the joint bid. As well as engaging with the diaspora based in New York, he confirmed to the Members that invitations would also be extended to sister city colleagues in Boston and Nashville.

            After discussion, it was

            Moved by Alderman Kingston,

            Seconded by Councillor Dorrian,

      That the Committee agrees that the Lord Mayor and two officers should not attend the launch of the Belfast International Arts Festival in New York on 18th September, 2017.

            On a vote by show of hands, seven Members voted for the proposal and eight against and it was declared lost.

            Accordingly, the Committee considered the recommendations as outlined in the report, namely, that the Committee:

1.     noted the contents of the report, including the ongoing progress against the critical timelines;

2.     noted that a workshop with Members would take place in September 2017, with invites being extended to all Members of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee as well as the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and the Party Group Leaders (or nominees); and

3.     agreed the attendance of the Lord Mayor, one senior and one accompanying officer to attend an engagement programme, including the launch of Belfast International Arts Festival in New York on 18th September, 2017.

The Committee adopted the recommendations.