Decision details

The Executive Councillor asked the committee to note the death of a member of the public art panel.

Matter for Decision

In June 2018, Environment and Community Services Scrutiny Committee considered a report that set out the future aspirations for public art in the City, and the need to update the Public Art Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), in light of changes to the national planning system and planning regulations, and to support the new Local Plan. The report included the requirement to undertake an evaluation process and have a ‘Big conversation’[1] about public art to inform future Policy work.

Following a process of evaluation through 2019/20, the Officer’s report sets the direction of travel to develop a Public Art Strategy (Strategy) for Cambridge and makes recommendations on the process and methodology required to ensure that Cambridge continues to be at the forefront of public art commissioning and delivery.

The Officer’s report set out the work that has been undertaken so far, and the work to be completed to secure the Strategy and future policy for public art provision in Cambridge.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Communities

      i.          Supported the use of the draft Manifesto for public art in Cambridge and the process set out in the report for researching and developing new public art policy.

    ii.          Approved:

a.    The process for taking the work forward, including the formation of a cross departmental Working Group.

b.   The Terms of Reference for the Working Group set out at 4.2.

c.    The use of consultation and research through events and a public survey, to test the draft manifesto and support the development of Policy.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Streets and Open Spaces Development Manager.

The Streets and Open Spaces Development Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.          Officers could revisit the manifesto text to clarify links between public art, health benefits and biodiversity.

     ii.          An Equality Impact Assessment will be undertaken on artists.  Procurement rules can be used to focus on people with the required characteristics such as able to represent the local community.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.