Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair to the Chipperfield Advisory Committee for the 2015-2016 municipal year.

RESOLVED that Liz Goodall be elected Chair for the Municipal Year 2015/16.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 30^th June 2014 be approved and signed as a correct record. 

Matters arising:

Item 2 – Art Gallery Roof

Whilst informal meetings had taken place with Councillor Barnes-Andrews, discussions concerning the establishment of an independent charitable trust had not moved forward.  The Committee wished to encourage the Council to give serious consideration to set up a charitable trust status.

It was noted that an options appraisal had been carried and if agreed by the Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Leisure a report would be submitted to Cabinet in August 2015 to start the consultation exercise.

The Committee’s response to the alternative governance model options appraisal paper (February 2015) detailed below:

‘The Paper also expresses in rather dry, bureaucratic language its analysis of the situation and clearly displays a lack of understanding of what is likely to be the most successful option for the Art Gallery and the Chipperfield Trust.  It seriously underestimates the vision, imagination and determination that will be necessary to re-establish the Gallery’s position as the pre-eminent venue for viewing 20/21^st Century British Art outside of London and isn’t it that what we should all be aspiring to.

What all successful, dynamic Art Galleries in this country and throughout Europe have in common is recognition that a strong, well respected director/curator in overall charge is a crucial factor.

The Chipperfield Advisory Committee was initially set up in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding potential sales from the collection that were being suggested at that time.  The Advisory Committee was seen as a body of individuals with experience of a connections with art, culture and education that would not be affected by the same potential conflict of interest that might be encountered by councillors and Trustees performing the same role.  In addition it was hoped that the Advisory Committee might become an importance force in raising extra funds for the gallery.  After considerable time and many meetings and consultations with a variety of individuals the Advisory Committee came to the conclusion that the best way forward for the Gallery and The Chipperfield Trust was for it to be constituted as a single Trust separate from the Council.  This viewpoint has been the subject of several informal and formal statements over the past year.

The Chipperfield Advisory Committee have already outlined the potential opportunities that exist for fundraising under the auspices of a single Trust as well as providing a detailed analysis of the methodology and procedures necessary to form a single Trust. 

It should be noted that these proposals include a clear commitment to continue to work in partnership with Southampton City Council in order to maintain the Civic connection with the gallery albeit under an alternatively devolved system of governance. 

It seems to me that [Chair] yet again, there could be a conflict of interest in the role of councillors required to make cuts etc still trying to maintain a position in the cultural life  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Culture detailing the Annual Report 2014/15, attached. 

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Leisure and Culture detailing the key activities of the Art Gallery over the last 12 months.  It was felt that the report should also reflect the work of the Committee as well as the activities of the Art Gallery. 

Suggested amendments to the report:

Title: Chipperfield Advisory Committee Annual Report 2015/16.

Prior to Paragraph 4.  Delete ‘Activity in 2015’.  Replace with ‘The Committee has been informed of the following activities:’

Paragraph 11.  Insert.  The Committee have been informed on a number occasions:

03.04.2014 conduct a symposium regarding the creation of an independent trust with advice and case study success. 

30.10.2014 met with the Cabinet Member for Resources and Leisure, Councillor Barnes-Andrews on an informal basis. 

Made comments to the Art Gallery regarding the heritage lottery bid.

Prior to Paragraph 13.  Insert.  Committee were informed that:

New Paragraph 19:  The planned action of Committee 2015/16 to be consultees of a heritage lottery bid, support bids for the funding champions and advise the Trustees of the future of the Gallery.

Comment under paragraph 22 Accounts.  Advisory Committee will recommend most strongly that funds are invested and interest accrued back. 

2015/16 Committee is minded to suggest it could embark on fund raising providing a separate account was set up separately for this purpose. 

Key recommendation on finance £170k – delegate to officers.

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Culture detailing the acquisitions process for the art collection, attached.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Leisure and Culture detailing the acquisition process for the fine art collection.

It was agreed the report in the future would also include examples of works that the Curator wished to assume and the reasons why some articles are limited for reasons of space etc.

RESOLVED to note the current acquisition process.