PERFORMANCE PANEL TO REVIEW ANVIL ARTS INFORMATION
25 MARCH 2015
Attendees:
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council : Cllr Sean Keating (Chair), Cllr Sven
Godesen, Cllr Graham Falconer, Cllr Keith Watts, Cllr Nigel Pierce, Cllr Ian
Tilbury, Lesley Murphy (Policy Manager), Simon Christian and Mark Davison
(Commissioning Team)
Anvil Arts : Christine Bradwell and Andrew Finney
1. Anvil Arts provided information for discussion in response to the motion by
Cllrs Tilbury and Cllr Harvey to allow for better understanding of performance
and to clarify comparisons made during the recent Arts and Culture
commissioning work. Discussions took place around:
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the wide range of range of works offered by Anvil Arts to suit all tastes –
comedy, jazz, blues, ballet, plays, community/local performances
the excellent relationships between performers and venues
the capacity of the Anvil and Haymarket and restrictions in different
formats that impact on what can be programme
the current national economic downturn and impact/trends for arts venues
- this is a risk business with no audience guarantees; risk to Anvil Arts
mitigated by 80/20 income split, risk therefore falls to touring companies
with some unable to meet commitments and shows pulled leading to
unscheduled dark nights
the impacts on Anvil Arts of reductions in funding – grant funding has
reduced over years with continuing reductions going forward. Arts Council
funding ceased for producing theatre at the Haymarket prior to new
management arrangements
an explanation of current targets , overheads , the reporting processes
and summary of income /expenditure provided. Low audience figures
don’t always mean a loss or high audience numbers a profit - focus is on
achieving the right balance between audience figures, income generation
and a varied programme. Programmes not set too early as evolve
depending on what is available – often need to react very quickly to the
market; ticket prices are determined by promoter and generally same
across all venues. Financial and audience targets are always set for each
event.
the impacts of the Haymarket Theatre being a non-producing theatre subject to what is available, if producing would have longer runs,
programme is therefore more varied including one off shows, comedy etc.
the impacts of cancellations at short notice and the knock-on effects notable number of cancellations by touring shows experienced in 2014
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which affected audience figures and activity at the theatre. Dark night’s not
significant to overall budget management but present opportunity costs.
the impacts on promotion of social media and the internet – feedback now
instant ( good or bad), on-line main promotion tool and increasingly
preferred choice for ticket purchase
the community contribution of Anvil Arts that sits outside the day to day
programming of the venues and its importance
(education/children/families) - there is an extensive programme working
with young people in particular, through schools and performing at the
venues. Work also includes work with those who have disabilities. This
activity provides invaluable experience for the young person but also
introduces them and their families to the venues. All councillors are invited
to showcase events; it was disappointing that none attended the last
event.
the excellent reputation achieved in relation to facilities/acoustics
recognised by both audiences and performers
an explanation of the work undertaken with Borough Council officers in
producing an annual business plan with monthly reporting – new
arrangements are in place to enable regular dialogue between Anvil and
BDBC officers. The chair advised that update and monitoring information
should also be made available to councillors
a discussion on the comparisons shared in the commissioning process –
like for like venues had not been used
the continued maintenance of venues – Anvil now 21 years old with
stewardship implications
the promotion of performances and facilities, catchment areas and
marketing processes/opportunities - part of remit is to promote
Basingstoke and attract from further afield ( this often achieved through
promoters in national press) own advertising regional/local including
promotion to all schools.
Action : CB agreed to provide the Panel with a list of catchment
areas
the possibility of reintroducing producing theatre and potential discounts
for local council tax payers – both initiatives would require additional
funding. Producing theatres receive Arts Council subsidy / as ticket prices
are set by promoters any discount would have to be met.
Outcome
1. The Panel thanked Christine Bradwell and Andrew Finney for the discussion
which was extremely beneficial in aiding understanding. ( CB and AF left the
meeting at 11.30 am)
2. The Panel noted the difficulty in providing direct like for like comparators.
3. The Panel noted the context that Anvil Arts have been working in – the wide
impact of the economic downturn including what’s available, disposable
audience income, reducing grants and national trends.
4. The general good management of the facilities within this context was
recognised as well as the work with other local arts providers, for example
coordination with the Festival programming.
5. The Panel supported the invaluable educational / community work undertaken
and wished to encourage all councillors, when invited specifically as
councillors or as “the council” to support Anvil Arts by attending upcoming
performances/events
6. The Panel asked to receive an update on Anvil performance information in
order to monitor progress.
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Panel\Minutes 2015\Notes - Performance Panel 25 March 2015.docx