Council working to support additional sources of income

Following questions being asked about the future of arts funding I’m writing to explain further.

Norden Farm and Old Court are indeed very valued partners in The Royal Borough delivering superb arts and culture to our residents and also outside the borough.

They have been financially supported for many years by the council and last year in advance of the 2021/22 budget, discussions were held with Norden Farm and Old Court to say that there would be six months of support (£80k for Norden Farm and £34k for Old Court) in the 21/22 budget plus some funding of £50k which Norden Farm and Old Court may like to apply to explore ideas such as bidding, match funding and an arts consultant to look at what opportunities may be available.

It was also made clear that there would be no funding in the following year’s budget. This was because of the financial situation at that time and we expressed our hope that funding in the future may return.

Currently Norden Farm and Old Court have a service level agreement where they have to provide certain returns for the funding they receive.

The council is working to support additional sources of income as well as encouraging diversifying.

Since that time the council have been having discussions with Norden Farm and now are awaiting the report of the independent external consultants to understand what options are available. The council is also in close contact on a regular basis with the Old Court which is in a building which is owned by RBWM.

We are delighted that Norden Farm secured arts grant funding of £351,000 last year by Arts Council England and Old Court secured £145,000 from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund and Old Court

There are also many opportunities for Norden Farm and Old Court and RBWM to work together in the future as the value of art and culture is important for mental health, Ill health prevention and general wellbeing. Working out how that works for both is the next step.

The RBWM budget consultation is still open for residents to comment and I encourage participation.

Finally I am very hopeful that such a strong and positive relationship continues with our partners.

Cllr SAMANTHA RAYNER Deputy leader of The Royal Borough Cabinet member for culture and heritage, corporate

and resident services and Windsor