Issue - meetings

That the progress of Clwyd Theatre Cymru against delivery of its business plan and identified savings, the emerging artistic vision and increased commerciality and community links be supported.

The Chief Executive introduced a progress report on Clwyd Theatr Cymru (CTC) covering delivery of the business plan and budget efficiencies, and the emerging vision for the Theatre after the appointment of a new Artistic Director. 

The Chief Executive provided background information and context and referred to the key considerations as detailed in the report concerning progress against the business plan and the emerging artistic vision, increasing commerciality, and becoming closer to the local community. 

The Chief Executive provided clarification on the financial circumstances, governance arrangements, and accountability for CTC.  He explained that whilst facing reductions in funding from the Council, the CTC had also applied to remain an Arts Council of Wales funded organisation.  He advised that initial feedback to the application was positive, however, the actual amount of funding to be granted would not be known until later in the year.    

The Chief Officer (Organisational Change (1) ) outlined the key issues concerning delivery of the business plan and referred to the appointment of a new Artistic Director, ensuring the Theatr was fit for purpose in terms of staffing, applying for funding from the Arts Council for Wales, and capital development.

It was agreed that the Business Plan Progress report which was considered at the last meeting of the board be circulated to the committee.

The Chairman welcomed Tamara Harvey, new Artistic Director, to the meeting and invited her to give an overview of her role, responsibilities and vision for the theatre.  The Artistic Director thanked Members for their attendance and took the opportunity to pay tribute to Terry Hands, former Artistic Director, for his exceptional work in developing and promoting the theatre during the last 18 years.

The Artistic Director explained she was committed to a broader artistic programme with a holistic approach to all art forms across the building, drawing in new audiences and ensuring that Theatr Clwyd became an intrinsic part of the local communities and a symbol of innovation across the creative arts  in Wales and beyond.  She outlined the range of work to be undertaken to progress the business plan and the emerging artistic vision and referred to a broader range of production work, increasing commerciality and marketing, and development of partnerships and projects with Welsh companies and the rest of the UK.       She also reported on how the Theatr would deliver against the challenge of reduced funding from the Council in 2015/16 through the implementation of a robust and financially sustainable business framework.

Councillor Paul Shotton congratulated the Artistic Director on her recent appointment and welcomed the new initiatives.  He referred to the discussions taking place to explore touring possibilities and said he would like a more positive stance to be taken towards that happening. 

Councillor Mike Reece asked if Theatr Clwyd was included on the asset transfer programme.  The Chief Executive advised that the Theatr was not included at the moment, however,  an “open minded” approach was being taken for the future.     The Chief Officer (Organisational Change (1) ) clarified   that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20