Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure providing an overview of progress made against the Cultural Strategy for the year January to December 2023.

RESOLVED that the report is accepted and progress against the objectives and actions noted.

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that provided an overview of progress made against the Cultural Strategy for the year January to December 2023.

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure summarised the report and the successes of 2023 including the award of Arts Council England National Portfolio status to three organisations in the City (3.4) and the stability that brings.  He reminded Members of the clear high social value generated by culture and noted that although 2023 had been busy for cultural activities in Gloucester, 2024 was expected to be busier.  The Cabinet Member for Environment informed Members that he believed the large amounts of money being invested in the City from outside spoke volumes about Gloucester and its future.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods highlighted the inclusiveness and flexibility of the Cultural Strategy.  He hoped that it would generate even more investment not just in the centre but in all wards across the City. The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods recommended that a similar equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy be developed to remove barriers to inclusion for all residents.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy commented that it was great to see such a balance between people coming into the City with investment and their expertise, such as with the Hundred Heroines project, and residents setting up and running their own activities.

RESOLVED that the report is accepted and progress against the objectives and actions noted.