Purpose

Accept £181,640 from Arts Council England and deliver the Oldham Young Creative Producers Programme (YCPP), with a commitment to £30,000 match funding. This option enables the Council to implement a high-impact programme that develops creative skills, supports pathways into employment, and strengthens the borough’s cultural infrastructure. It maximises external investment and delivers against key corporate priorities, including skills development, inclusion, and regeneration.

Decision

RESOLVED - That:

accept the funding

Reasons for the decision

Option 1: Accept the Arts Council England (ACE) Funding (Recommended)
Accept £181,640 from Arts Council England and deliver the Oldham Young Creative Producers Programme (YCPP), with a commitment to £30,000 match funding. This option enables the Council to
implement a high-impact programme that develops creative skills, supports pathways into employment, and strengthens the borough’s cultural infrastructure. It maximises external investment and delivers against key corporate priorities, including skills development, inclusion, and regeneration.

Option 2: Decline the Funding
Decline the ACE funding and not proceed with the YCPP programme. This would result in the loss of £181,640 external investment and associated opportunities for young people. It would limit the Council’s ability to address local talent drain, reduce cultural sector capacity, and miss the
opportunity to embed youth voice in cultural programming. In addition, this option carries a reputational risk for the Council, particularly in relation to Arts Council England and local stakeholders. It may also negatively impact partnerships within the local Cultural Education Partnership, potentially undermining trust, future collaboration opportunities, and Oldham’s position in securing future external funding

Alternative options considered

Option 2: Decline the Funding
Decline the ACE funding and not proceed with the YCPP programme. This would result in the loss of £181,640 external investment and associated opportunities for young people. It would limit the Council’s ability to address local talent drain, reduce cultural sector capacity, and miss the
opportunity to embed youth voice in cultural programming. In addition, this option carries a reputational risk for the Council, particularly in relation to Arts Council England and local stakeholders. It may also negatively impact partnerships within the local Cultural Education Partnership, potentially undermining trust, future collaboration opportunities, and Oldham’s position in securing future external funding