Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Place.

Agreed:

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the Forward Plan for the Royal Memorial Museum and Art Gallery for the period 2026 to 2029.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which required Council approval for the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) Forward Plan to cover the years 2026 to 2029. An approved Forward Plan was also a requirement of Museum Accreditation, for museums and galleries.

Particular reference was made to:

·        the forward plan set the future direction for the RAMM and highlighted its importance locally, regionally, and beyond;

·        the plan had been developed collaboratively by the RAMM team and set out vision, objectives, outcomes, and delivery methods;

·        the plan would be reviewed over a three year review cycle and updated as circumstances change;

·        the RAMM had an average annual attendance of 200,000 visitors and contributed £6.8 million to the local economy, whilst it engaged with communities for education, learning, and well-being; and

·        the forward plan captured both the strategic policy and the broader societal impact of the RAMM to the area.

The Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Tourism highlighted that approval was

required to secure Arts Council funding and that the plan was adaptable and expected to evolve over time. It highlighted five key areas and included strategies to reduce RAMM’s dependence on council funding. The Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Tourism endorsed the recommendation for approval.

An opposition group leader raised concerns about the recent thefts at the RAMM and in Bristol and noted that the report did not identify security and theft as a risk. Analyses of security measures were requested for the collection, both on-site and in storage. The opposition group leader advised that she had submitted the question in advance of the meeting to the Portfolio Holder.

The Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Tourism confirmed he had received a copy of the questions the day preceding the meeting and that he had responded to advise that a comprehensive answer would be provided.

The Leader acknowledged the response and highlighted that the questions did not impact the recommendations being voted on and requested the Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture & Tourism to respond outside of the meeting.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Foale, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the Forward Plan for the Royal Memorial Museum and Art Gallery for the period 2026 to 2029.