THE arts in Guernsey could be in line for a boost. The Culture and Leisure Department is taking its first major report of this term to the States later this month to propose the establishment of the Guernsey Arts Commission.
Minister Peter Sirett said the commission would be aimed at achieving higher levels of participation and experience of the arts through a raised profile and greater private investment.
He highlighted how the island had an active, diverse and vibrant arts community in areas such as music, dance, poetry, theatre and visual art.
‘Given the growing interest that arts are receiving within the community, the Arts Commission would be able to coordinate and improve perception and knowledge of arts, making more effectively the ﾓcase for the artsﾔ to a wider audience,’ said Deputy Sirett.
The model proposed for the commission would be similar to that of the Guernsey Sports Commission.
The trust would be formed with a number of trustees:
n A person appointed by the Policy Council to represent the interests of the States
n A person appointed by Culture and Leisure to represent the interests of the States on art matters, and
n Two people appointed by Culture and Leisure to represent the views of the arts community
The commission would also improve the provision of funding for the arts by gaining greater access to private sector money and support.
The plan is to base the commission in the Guernsey Information Centre and that existing arts development staff be seconded to work for it for an initial period.
It is intended that the Culture and Leisure Department’s budget for arts development in 2007 of £236,500 be provided to the new set-up on its creation.
‘If the commission should fail, if it overstretches itself, if there is a reduction in the original enthusiasm and drive or if changes in society or States funding levels so dictate, then it can be wound up. The Culture and Leisure Department would then resume its role in arts development.’?
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