Purpose

To consider approving the Council’s
funding contribution to IF: Milton Keynes International Festival in
2025 and 2027.

Content

1.        
That a Grant Agreement with The Stables Ltd
confirming the Council’s contribution of £250,000
towards the delivery of the festival in 2025, be
approved.

2.        
That a Memorandum of Understanding be agreed
between The Stables Ltd and Milton Keynes City Council outlining
the intention within the budget setting process to apply for a
contribution of £250,000 towards the delivery of the festival
in 2027, subject to budget approval and confirmation of Arts
Council England’s commitment to funding the festival in
2027.

3.         That,
within the Memorandum of Understanding, the
following observations for The Stables to consider when planning
future festivals be outlined:
·                   
the expectation of
large-scale, high-profile city centre
crowd events that are unique in nature to the MKIF, that enhance
the cultural offer to the city and are beneficial to the visitor
economy;
·                   
provide an accessible
and inclusive offer that caters to a wide range of backgrounds, in
particular low-income households and families;
·                   
consider ways that
delivery can be more efficient and reduce delivery costs;
and
·                   
increase income the
festival generates, including sponsorship and commercial revenue
generation.