Content

9.1

The report seeks approval of the commissioning
strategy, as outlined in this report. This is to operationalise the
programme of activity required to further build Sheffield’s
reputation as a distinctive and diverse cultural destination,
subject to the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) funding being confirmed
by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SY MCA).

 

 

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That
Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee:-
 
Approve the commissioning strategy for up to
£538,105, as outlined in this report and to operationalise
the programme of activity detailed below, subject to the SPF
funding being confirmed by SY MCA to:
 

·      
Support international and community elements of 3
strategic events - £60K (Year 2)

·      
Augmented Reality Look Up Project- £20K (Year
2)

·      
Brand campaign and content creation - £100K
(Years 2 & 3)

·      
Media event and hosting- £20K (Years
2)

·      
Support Staff - £116k (Years 2 &
3)

·      
Cultural Events Programme - £191k (Year
3)

·      
Accessibility information linked to visitor
economy/cultural provision - £30k (Year 3)

 

 

9.3

Reasons for
Decision

 

 

9.3.1

Shared Prosperity Fund years 2 & 3 funding
provides a valuable opportunity to channel welcome additional
resources into culture and city marketing, to give benefits to the
visitor economy, wellbeing, cohesion and
city reputation.

 

 

9.3.2

The proposed activities set out above are
based on tried and tested methodologies including the previous Arts
Council England-funded Cultural Destinations programme 2016-18
(Lush Spectra, Strong Language, Mausoleum of the Giants) and
learning from the year 1 SPF. We want to embed innovative and
diverse cultural activity and city promotion into the city’s
calendar, and SPF years 2 & 3 will allow this to happen at
transformative scale.

 

 

9.4

Alternatives
Considered and Rejected

 

 

9.4.1

Alternative option 1 – SPF funding only
applied to city marketing.

SPF years 2 & 3 funding could be applied just to
city marketing, without a culture strand being supported. However,
this would mean that an opportunity to help support the sector,
grow the city’s reputation, give reasons to visit and engage
with wider audiences would be missed.

 

9.4.2

Alternative option 2 – Not applying for
further funding.

We could choose not to apply for Arts Council Place
Partnerships funding, using SPF Year 3 as match. However, this
would mean losing out on the potential to grow our resources for
the city and arts sector and will mean that activity can take place
during a second year, if successful.