Lead officer s recommendation

Transcription

1 CFO name: Citymoves Lead officer s recommendation Summarise your reasons for assessing the application as you have (drawing out the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal and highlighting any specific risks): The organisation was rudderless in the period between Artistic Directors. With the appointment of Ian Spink, who is a recognised leader in the dance world, new life has been breathed into the organisation. With the imminent retiral of the General Manager and the subsequent proposed re-structuring, Citymoves should be in a position to become a catalyst for artistic work in the North East, developing international links, and putting Aberdeen on the map as a location for creating and showing interesting work. Citymoves is working closely with all its funders to strengthen its position, so that it can maximise its impact on the dance community in both Aberdeen and nation-wide. The recommendation should clearly reflect the assessment. Assessment: High Medium x Low Areas of concern: Identify areas of concern drawn from the assessment which will inform the funding agreement for 2006/7 and future agreements / 12 month development plan (as applicable) Appointment of Executive Director Clarification of increased city and external funding proposed Development issues: Identify development issues drawn from the assessment which will inform the funding agreement for 2006/7 and future agreements / 12 month development plan (as applicable) Targets included within the application would form the basis of the funding agreements, including any further developments. Lead Officer: Date: 9/11/05 Print name: Susan Hay Citymoves 1

2 Stage 2 Decision and authorisation CFO name: Citymoves Stage 2: Head of Department recommendation within the context of the sector ecosystem Category for support Essential Important Partial Based on the lead officer s assessment and match with the department ecosystem, summarise your reasons for assessing the application as you have (drawing out the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation and highlighting any specific risks). Identifying development areas. Citymoves is the regional dance development agency for the North East of Scotland. It is based in Aberdeen and is managed as part of Aberdeen City Council s cultural provision. Scottish Arts Council core funding is specifically towards a programme and support for the professional dance sector, locally, regionally and nationally. There is a strong commitment to Citymoves from Aberdeen City Council, with their financial support going directly into the extensive participatory programme. The organisation was without an Artistic Director for 10 months which put considerable strain on the existing, small staff team. Ian Spink, an internationally renowned choreographer joined in June 2005 and is currently reviewing the work and placing an increased emphasis on the practical and artistic support to dance artists/ choreographers. There has been weakness in the operational, administrative and financial management of the organisation primarily because of long term sickness. There is an opportunity to implement changes in the staffing structure in the new year, and the approval of this by Scottish Arts Council should form part of the funding agreement. There is great potential within the cultural sector in Aberdeen. With its rejuvenated artistic leadership and strong commitment to encouraging access to the arts, Citymoves is poised to be a key player and make a significant contribution to these developments. Citymoves is an essential part of the dance infrastructure supporting the professional production and performance and encouraging an environment that values and supports professional development (Dance Strategy Aim 1&2). It provides facilities and support for Scottish-based professional dance artists. Although Scottish Arts Council funding directly relates to Aim 2 (Artists), the partnership with the local authority means that it delivers significantly on all Scottish Arts Council Aims. Citymoves is essential within the Dance Scenario within Optimum, Standstill and Reduced budgets and it is recommended funding is granted at an appropriate level in order to fulfil its potential. Decision authorised: Print name: Head of Department - Dance Anita Clark By 2 December 2005 Date: 1 December 2005 Citymoves 2

3 Stage 3: Head of Department recommendation within the context of the Corporate Synthesised scenario (Aberdeen City Council) City Moves is the dance agency for the North East of Scotland and a key organisation in the Dance Scenario. Through its facilities and programme, it plays a significant role in the supporting dance artists and nurturing choreographers in Scotland. There are management and governance issues which need addressed before City Moves will be able to meet the standards that are required of Foundation Organisations. It is essential that this is done within the context of the overall arts provision in Aberdeen and ACC s ambitions for a new Cultural Centre. I recommend funding is at Optimum level or a minimum of 70k in 07/08 to enable appropriate programme development. Recommendation authorised: Head of Department Dance Date Print name: Anita Clark By 14 February 2006 Citymoves 3

4 Stage 4: Group Heads Recommendation and authorisation Agree with the recommendation for Foundation status with any increase in grant for 07/08 contingent on lead officer approval of developments plans for improvements in managerial and governance issues. Decision authorised: Group Head Date Print name: Jim Tough By 14 February 2006 Stage 5: Creative Arts / Performing Arts Committee Recommendation and authorisation Agreed as per Managers/Group Heads recommendations. Committee Chair Date February 2006 Print name: Jennifer Waterton Citymoves 4

5 Stage 6: Council Decision Approved Foundation funding as per Managers/Group Heads and Committee recommendation Chairman Date 28 February 2006 Print name: Richard Holloway End of Assessment Citymoves 5