Meeting/Cyfarfod 01/02/11

MEETING

5.30 – 7pm
1st February 2011
Soar Centre

Present:
Alison Harris (VAMT) AH
Michelle Power (Communities First, Town and Park) MP
Gus Payne (Arts Development Officer/MTCBC) GP
Lis McLean (Menter Iaith) LM
Heather Murry (Merthyr Aloud) HM
Anne-Marie Carpenter (Soar Committee) AC

1. Apologies: Ceinwen Statter, Ken Long, David Jones.

2. British Tourism Week: A week-long Tourism/Collaborate initiative designed to highlight and celebrate different aspects of “Britishness”, running from 14th to 20th March. Activities and events will soon be posted onto the MTCBC website’s What’s On guide. Collaborate Officer Ryan Barry is leading on British Tourism Week.

Soar activities for British Tourism Week include: 17th Welsh Music with Gareth Potter, 18th Miss Merthyr Tydfil at Soar (English lang.) A number of activities will take place on the 19th including Blas Treftadiaeth (A Taste of Heritage) (bi-lingual), with sessions in the Welsh Harp and Tin Whistle, Cymdeithas Soar present “Hanes Ycha Fi” (Horrible Histories) (Welsh lang.), Women in Merthyr Tydfil (English lang.). A bilingual film will also be shown, highlighting the heritage of Merthyr Tydfil. And there will be a small photography exhibition of winners of a local landscapes competition.

3. Global Village workshops: GP has submitted the application to Arts Council of Wales for an application form for workshops leading up to the next Global Village festival. ACW should come to a decision later this month.

Plans are for this year’s workshops to link much more closely to the final event on 22nd May.

A new film company; Engine House Productions (who have links to Merthyr Tydfil College) is currently developing a film to counteract the recent negative Sky TV programme, which looked for the worst in Merthyr to portray as an average view of the town/borough. The film being developed will be designed to be more representative of the area, to be shown at the main Global Village event.

LM and HM emphasised their interest in being part of the Global Village project.

ACTION: GP to make sure Engine House Productions are aware of Merthyr Aloud and the Soar Project.

4. Audiences Wales: GP confirmed that MTCBC Arts Development will continue to support AW for the 2011/12 year. The group need to decide what would be the best use of this resource.

LM informed the group that Soar now have a very good Marketing Committee set up for the Soar Project.

Ideas discussed concluded that there was a need to develop and Arts Audience considering:

o Soar and other current opportunities

o The Old Town Hall proposed development and other future opportunities.

o We need to be aware of the steps needed to address this issue of audience development

o We need to be able to understand and see descriptions of the outcomes of any proposed training session/day

ACTION: GP to contact Nick Beasley at AW to discuss a proposed training session(s) in relation to the above.

5. Arts Connect is a partnership proposal between 6 local authorities: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Torfaen led by Rhondda Cynon Taf. Arts Connect will be a combined local authorities shared arts service. Unlike H4A (which is an arts company, separate from, but accountable to the relevant local authorities and Arts Council of Wales) and unlike the now obsolete Creative Communities proposal (which was for community groups rather than local authorities). RCT, as lead have passed Arts Connect’s Business Plan at cabinet level. This is now being discussed with the other local authorities, including discussions between finance and Human Resources teams to move the process forward. The current expectation is that the project will be ready to begin sometime during the 2011/12 year.

6. Merthyr Express column: The Merthyr Express’s new editor has decided to remove the weekly Arts Forum column (together with the Memories feature on the same page) from the paper. GP has been asked to continue sending the information, which will be spread throughout the paper.

Soar Arts Centre: Work at Soar Arts Centre and Y Ganolfan Gymraeg is set to be completed on budget. Extra funds have also been sought from Coalfields Regeneration Trust, who have agreed £47000 for sound and lighting equipment.

The Management Committee set up in October and related Sub-groups have been working very well, with members showing a great deal of support and good will towards the project.

The first event at Soar Arts Centre will be Les Miserables, which will run from 28th February until 3rd March (including schools only performances).

A dignitaries and celebrities evening on 1st March will pre-empt an official launch in June.

Events currently planned or being developed include; Glyn Wise, Aesop’s Fables, Youth Theatre, together with plans for dance companies and a comedy circuit in both Welsh and English. (Plus the activities mentioned above during British Tourism Week).

7. Zoom Young People’s Film Festival will be returning on March 9th until the 11th with young people’s films shown across the valleys, including Bishop Hedley School (via 3Gs). To contact Zoom for further info visit www.zoomcymru.com to send a message or call 02920 885505.

8. New Dance Classes for young people are being held at The Catholic Club Dowlais on Wednesdays. The classes will be based on competitive dancing, with goals to compete in the next competition at The Dowlais Dance Festival and for young people to take their medals in The Associated Board of Dance. There will be two categories; under 11 years and under 16 years in Ballroom & Latin American Dancing. Each class will last for an hour and will cost £2.50 per person. Visit www.dancewithsimon.co.uk for further info.

Classes start on Wednesday 16th February.

9. AOB:

o What’s On Guide: The group requested whether non-MTCBC events could be added to the MTCBC website What’s On guide. GP explained it is NOT MTCBC policy (due to staff time and possible legal implications) to add external events but he can add events for those he is working in partnership with, assessed on an event by event basis, time permitting.

o ACMF attendance: AH suggested we need to reconsider the ACMF’s purpose and whether to continue in its current format due to poor attendance in relation to past years. The group discussed changes over the last year or so which have not increased attendance.

LM pointed out that the Soar Management Committee is made up of many of the previous ACMF attenders and maybe those people have needed to choose one meeting or the other due to lack of time.

MP mentioned using Mentro Allan.

The original ACMF focus was considered;
• To get an Arts Officer in post
• To get a designated arts venue
• To work with partners to deliver the October Arts Festival

GP pointed out that the third point; the October Arts Festival wasn’t sustainable with the funds available, together with other initiatives. One of those initiatives effectively replacing the October Arts Festival was Global Village, which is very successful however attracting attendance at Workshop meetings has also been difficult.

o European Day: Taff Bargoed Regeneration Project are holding a European Day on Sunday 15th May 2011 from 10.00 until 2.00 in Parc Taf Bargoed. They are hoping to have some car boot sellers (about 5) and businesses selling their products, ideally mainly antiques and arts and crafts.

o H4A: MP informed the group that H4A have asked her to be a community based representative for H4A, attending quarterly meetings focusing on community participation.

HM also explained that she will be working on projects with H4A

o Jill Shuker: The group expressed its sadness at hearing of the untimely death of Jill over the Xmas break. Together with being a kind and friendly personality, Jill was a strong advocate for the arts and for the ACMF within MTCBC during her time as a Director and was instrumental in securing the current Arts Development Officer post.

LM added that Jill was also very supportive and professional in the early days when the reality of what we now see as the Soar Arts Centre was an embryonic vision of what could be.

10. Next meeting: 5:30pm, Tuesday 22nd March, Civic Centre.

Meeting/Cyfarfod 26/10/10

MEETING

5.30 - 7pm
26th October 2010
Soar Centre

Please note: These minutes are draft only and subject to agreement at the next meeting.
Sylwer: Drafft yn unig yw'r cofnodion yma ac yn amodol ar gytundeb yn y cyfarfod nesaf.

1. Present: Rhian Prosser (Town Centre Manager/MTCBC), Nick Beasley (Audiences Wales), Gus Payne (Arts Development Officer/MTCBC), Lis McLean (Menter Iaith), Jo Richards (Dance Practitioner/MT College), David Jones (H4A), Wendy Marshallsea (Dowlais Engine House)
Apologies: Dinah Pye, Alison Harris (VAMT), Karen Dusgate (MTHA).

2. Soar Arts Centre / Y Ganolfan Gymraeg tour. LM took the group on a tour of the work completed to date at Soar and the Canolfan, explaining where different office, meeting, workshop and performance space will be. The group were impressed with the developments and look forward to seeing the completed work in the New Year.
A management Committee has now been appointed for the Soar Project.

3. Marketing training opportunity (Audiences Wales): NB talked the group through two workshop/sessions he could deliver for the ACMF as part of the funding already agreed with MTCBC: 1) An Introduction to Marketing and Publicity Workshop, and 2) Audience Development and Marketing Planning Workshop.
LM expressed a strong interest in a session similar to the second option for some members of the new Management Committee for Soar Arts Centre. NB was happy to adapt a session and deliver something more tailored to the needs of the group.
It was agreed to run a session, sometime in the New Year, with an emphasis on engaging new people and sharing audience information.
JR suggested, in addition to ACMF and Soar Management Committee members, there may also be interest from a new company set up by MT College staff (Andrew Thomas, Chris Ford and Richard Davies).Action: GP to liaise with NB and LM to discuss suitable date for the Sharing and Caring Knowledge session. Also to contact the new company set up in the college.

4. Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter (Town Centre Manager): RP updated the group on the new THI (Townscape Heritage Initiative) developments for Pontmorlais (Heritage Quarter).

• 2008 a Built Heritage Strategy was developed, identifying Pontmorlais as conservation area (using traditional materials for renovation works etc.). The strategy also recommended that Heritage Lottery funding was secured to develop a Townscape Heritage Initiative in the area.
• Funding has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to give up to 75% for external renovation work within the Pontmorlais area. The project is called Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter and will last for the next five years.
• The initiative also seeks to improve access to and highlight the Trevithick Trail as it passes through Pontmorlais.
• There are plans to brighten the Pontmorlais promenade area with community mural art-work
• The Castle Cinema is to be demolished with separate funding, and new building is set to replace this along with a small public square.
• Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association has put in a Planning Application to develop the Old Town Hall into an Arts Centre, managed by Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre.

In addition to capital works, the project will:

• provide some training on conservation skills,
• produce a book, recording memories and the history of Pontmorlais,
• has some funds available for events in the area

Action: An officer to lead this project is now in post, Russell Shurmer, who will attend the next ACMF meeting to develop links with the group.

5. Updates:

• Global Village workshops: GP has asked the Arts Council of Wales for an application form for workshops leading up to the next Global Village festival. Anyone wishing to be part of this process should contact GP before the application is made.
• Merthyr Aloud: GP highlighted the poster for Voice Workshops, passed on from Heather Murray. The group now meet at the Canolfan. LM and others expressed how impressed they are with the work being produced by HM and the Merthyr Aloud group.
• Zoom Cymru: The next Zoom Film Festival will be returning to Merthyr Tydfil during early March 2011. As part of the project Zoom are offering groups the opportunity to “Make a Film”, with a story session, a day’s shooting and a day’s editing, including use of cutting edge video production equipment, all at an introductory price of £999 in total. (Please see attached poster.). For further info contact Matt on 02920 885505 or matt@zoomcymru.com.
• Dowlais Engine House: WM updated the group on a new £25k HLF project at the Engine House; Iron into Gold, which will be a multi-generational project, including a research element and workshops in a number of subjects, all culminating in a performance. Monster Art (for ages 8-15) at the Engine House has also been very popular.

6. Next meeting: 5:30pm, Tuesday 18th January, VAMT.

Meeting/Cyfarfod 04/02/10

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM

FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

Steering Group / Grŵp Llywio

2.00pm, Thursday, 4th February 2010

2.00yh, Dydd Iau, 4ydd o Chwefrorr 2010

VAMT

Present: Gus Payne – MTCBC (GP), Alison Harris – VAMT (AH), Lis McLean – Menter (LM) and volunteer Charlotte Watts.

1. Welcome / Apologies: Apologies received from; Lesley Hodgson, Michelle Powell, David Jones (DJ), Kate Strudwick, Chris Long and Lee Davies (LD).

2. Minutes from last meeting
Agreed as correct (no messages have been passed on of any mistakes)

3. ACMF main meeting event planning.
GP has been in touch with LD who has confirmed that the 3Gs Community Choir would perform (they won the Best Choir category at Merthyr’s Got Talent). LD also confirmed that Suzanne Foley and Gwyn Jones would give a case study of how the 3Gs Arts and Music was established and has continued to flourish.
Fiona Winter has also been back in contact and will do a short demonstration with a small group of about 5, which will include some participation.
Andrew Thomas has confirmed that we can use the Myfanwy Theatre and Martyn Jones (Art Dept) is happy for us to borrow some easels for the night
DJ has not confirmed whether anyone from YMAZ will be doing a presentation yet.
LM suggested including a short slot to update on the Zoar Arts Centre project.
GP also passed a first rough draft of the Arts in Merthyr document/pamphlet, highlighting some of the activity over the last year or so.
Action: LM to confirm harpists for the buffet and teas an coffees period.
Action: GP to email Arts in Merthyr document to the rest of the group for comment.

4. Audiences Wales (AW) Training
AW is able to offer some training to ACMF members in things like marketing, press and research.
LM explained that soon she would be looking for members of an Arts Centre Management Committee to oversee the running of Zoar Arts Centre. Training in being an “effective management committee member” would be a good start to help guide new members in best practice.
High quality training around creating a “marketing strategy” to build participation would also be beneficial if at a sufficiently high standard.
This could also be something to flag up in the main meeting in April
Action: Include AW training potential as part of the April wider group meeting
Action: GP to run ideas past Nick at AW to discuss possibilities

5. Updates
AH requested an update on the Merthyr Tydfil Arts Centre proposal as there appears to be some speculation on the Old Town Hall being used. AH pointed out that at an early stage this proposal, to use the Old Town Hall was rejected by ArtService the feasibility study consultants. GP explained that neither he nor CL is aware of any firm proposal as yet and a new Arts Centre for Merthyr is still uncertain.
AH also asked about the position of the current Arts Strategy. GP explained that the strategy will be finalised and taken to Council when we have a firm confirmation of whether the new Arts Centre will or will not go ahead.
The Public Art Strategy for the Heads of the Valleys will be launched around the time of the Ebbw Vale National Eisteddfod.
6. AOB
LM flagged up the fact that she will soon be looking for Management Committee members for the new Zoar Arts Centre.
LM also explained that new gates to Zoar need to be designed. GP suggested passing him some of the details as this is something that could be covered by the HoV Public Art Steering Group, using HoV money to produce some functional public art, with possibly community workshops to help community buy-in and to raise awareness of public art.
Action: LM and GP to discuss the possibilities for the new Zoar Gates to be a HoV public art project

7. Next Steering Group meeting:
Tuesday, 16th March 2010, 2pm, VAMT.

Meeting/Cyfarfod 10/12/09

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

Steering Group / Grŵp Llywio
4.00pm, Thursday, 10th December 2009
4.00yh, Dydd Iau, 10fed o Rhagfyr 2009VAMT

Present: Gus Payne – Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (GP), Alison Harris – Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil (AH), Lis McLean - Menter Iaith Merthyr Tudful (LM), Michelle Powell - Communities First (MP) & David Jones - Yo! Maz (DJ).

1. Welcome:
Apologies received from; Lesley Hodgson - Glamorgan Gates, Carla Reynolds – Art and Enterprise (CR), Kate Strudwick - H4A (KS), Chris Long – Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Lee Davies – 3Gs.

2. Minutes from last meeting

All agreed last minutes as correct.
H4A exploring the possibility of taking the Creative Communities proposal forward with a different emphasis. Less business development and more community arts than the original Convergence proposal. Similar work to H4A today but with a wider remit to include the non-HoV areas in Caerphilly and Torfaen, together with RCT and Bridgend.
Lantern procession on 2nd December went well with positive feedback received (despite the Town Centre electricity not working at Lower High Street – Thank you to The Crown for accommodating the live music).
Fflach/Flash event in Merthyr has completed a series of performances/exhibitions Rhydycar presenting a great deal of work taking place within the borough.
The Credit Union film will be going ahead but with a shorter timescale. They may still be looking for groups to contribute.

3. ACMF main meeting event planning.
Myfanwy Theatre agreed as the venue on 15th April.
Potential performers: LM suggested Menter Iaith’s drama group and harpists.
Also winners from Merthyr’s Got Talent and W Factor.
A case study would also be desirable for the meeting. Possibly from 3Gs giving an overview of how they’ve grown using the arts as a community development tool.
Action: GP to ask Lee Davies about MGT winner and 3Gs case study, LM to ask W Factor winner.
Adult groups should also be sought for a demonstration. MP suggested art exhibition by community groups and a college class in bar area.
Action: GP to ask Andrew Thomas if we can use bar area for exhibition and Martyn Jones if we can borrow easels.
GP also to ask Fiona Winter if her adult dance group would consider a short performance
Night Out have confirmed that they will give a short presentation/talk on their work and the opportunities for communities.
Action: DJ to look at the possibility of a YMAZ speaker and to ask Dowlais Engine House if they have performers who would like to showcase their work.
High-Light Document
Reports of activities for the year received from 3Gs Arts and Media Group, Global Village, AXM Tutor Training programme, Exciting Writing Squads and Glamorgan Gates, with contributions also promised from Park and Town Communities First and H4A. The reports are designed to be a taster of work carried out throughout the year, rather than a comprehensive record of work completed. Together with the accompanying images the reports received and the two expected should be sufficient.
The document should also include a guide to forthcoming activities. E.G. Global Village 2010, Bedroc 2010 etc. together with ongoing workshops.

4. Updates
Valleys Home Coming. Following on from other work Town & Park and Taff Bargoed Communities First have met with Mel Jones (MJ) and MTCBC representatives to discuss a borough wide proposal. A matrix has been developed in earnest but other CF partnerships are being contacted for their input. Partners are urged to share their ideas for future events. There is still very little information on how much money is available or the criteria detail. MJ is trying to get greater clarity back from WAG. The view at the moment seems to be that WAG is looking for something with a high profile with the potential to attract ex-pats back to the Valleys.
Arts Centre: ACMF would like to know what the official current status is.
Action: GP to ask Chris Long (CL) if he has any further information
Youth Music Celebration: DJ wants to organise a Youth Music Celebration to help ensure sessions set up with YMAZ funds continue into the future.

5. AOB
Public Art: Poet and author Mike Jenkins (MJ) has suggested (via email) that Merthyr recognise local authors, who have an international reputation, in the town/borough. The borough has a very strong literary heritage which seems to be forgotten, with seemingly few residents even aware of this part of Merthyr’s heritage. MJ mentioned Leslie Norris, Glyn Jones, Gwyn Alf and Jack Jones as authors all deserving recognition. Both Gavin Lewis in Physical Regeneration and CL are positive about the idea of recognising local authors with an international reputation in public art developments.
Action: GP to take the idea to future Public Art meetings.

6. Next Steering Group meeting:
4th February 2010, 2pm, VAMT.

Meeting/Cyfarfod 07/10/09

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

Steering Group / Grŵp Llywio
4.00pm, Wednesday, 7th October 2009
4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 7fed o Hydref 2009 VAMT

Present: Gus Payne – Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (GP), Alison Harris – VAMT (AH), Lis McLean (LM), Michelle Powell (MP), Carla Reynolds – Art and Enterprise (CR), Ken Long - Communities First (KL), Andrew Rowlands – Credit Union (AR) & Kate Strudwick - H4A (KS).

1. Welcome

Apologies received from; Anne-Marie Carpenter, Lee Davies – 3Gs, Sally McIntyre - Communities First, Lesley Hodgson - Glamorgan Gates, David Jones - Yo! Maz.

2. Minutes from last meeting

All agreed last minutes as correct.
Creative Communities: LM asked if this is still a possibility. GP and MP reported that nobody had heard anything from the lead in RCT since before last meeting. The issues around match funding appear to make CC as a cross boarder initiative unlikeley. GP to ask Chris Long what the position is on a possible Merthyr Tydfil application to the Outcomes fund.

3. ACMF Chair

Agreed AH to assume Chair duties (GP to take minutes)

4. ACMF main meeting format and date.
Date: 15th April 2010, 6 – 8pm
Possible venues: Myfanwy Theatre, Afon Taff School
Action: GP to make enquiries

The event is designed to promote partnership work and highlight the good work done over the year. Partners to forward information in an article format to GP for compiling.
Action: Members to forward a short article (A4 and maybe a picture) on relevant successes since April 09 to GP.
It was also suggested to put a programme together of ongoing activities (workshops etc)

Performances were agreed to be predominantly from local groups. Suggestions: Merthyr’s Got Talent and W Factor finalists, Credit Union film (drama based), WNO local projects.
Also including new groups we may not be familiar with: Bontnewydd Entertainers.
Action: GP to contact Rachel Roberts in Bedlinog. Re: Bontnewydd Entertainers.
There may also be a little section to highlight the Open Mike Nights at the Imp

Talks: The evening could also include information on funding opportunities.
Action: Members to share suggestions, GP to contact Night Out
H4A to present some information. Maybe something around thier work for the National Eisteddfod.

LM suggested Phyl Griffiths as a compare. All agreed Phyl would be a good choice as he has a good relaxed temprament and would be able to present bilingually
If Night Out do give a presentation it would be good to have the mix of those who use NO and those who may use NO in the future
Could also include stands from various groups (H4A, Global Village etc.)

5. Updates

• KL advised the group that there is no longer a Communities First Arts Trust Fund but there is still a broader Communities First Trust fund, which groups can apply to for arts projects.
• LM: The Ganolfan are putting together a heritage and culture film covering four RDP areas in Merthyr Tydfil.
• H4A have been helping some groups with project management, which seems to be a good way of increasing sustainability as the funds and manpower are already in place but H4A lead on the project management side of things, allowing a particular group to gain confidence and experience of project management along the way.
• KS: the H4A Fflach/Flash project is very busy, putting together a regional eisteddfod community play, to be performed at next year’s National Eisteddfod site in Ebbw Vale, the day before the Nat. Eist. The bilingual project will include four exhibitions/performances. The project has been using beatbox workshops recently and has been active in Merthyr Tydfil at Sandbrooke House, Glamorgan Gates, Dowlais Engine House, using people’s stories and ideas. The Merthyr Tydfil performance will be on 28th November at 2.30pm in Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre.
• H4A and YoMaz have been sucessful in their Reach The Heights application. YoMaz can now work much more coherantly along side H4A across the eastern Heads Of the Valleys, working with 14 – 19 NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
• H4A are also re-running their Carnival Arts Training programme, which offers to provide a proffessional artist to work with teachers and community leaders etc. so that they can then pass on the skill to their groups.
  Action: KS to forward an electroniv version of the handout for email circulation.
• H4A staff have all begun learnig (or brushing up on their) Welsh language skills.
• GP: The writing squads have just had an anthology of their work printed, to be published on 28th October, with BBC Wales’ Roy Noble Show featuring two young writers reading their work from the book on air for National Poetry Day and Cwmni Da showing keen interest in making a short feature to be shown on S4C’s arts programme, Sioe Gelf.
• LM: The Canolfan’s young drama group, with Einir Sion (Fflach/Flash) have been doing Radio DJ workshops at S4C. The project includes a drama group performance to be shown at schools; Santes Tudful, Rhydygrug and Rhydywaun. It was very well received in the first school. The other two still to come.
• LM: Youth Gig at the Canolfan: 1st November
• MP: the next Lantern procession in the town centre looks set to be even bigger and better than last year. Meet at Lucy Fountain 6pm, 2nd December, for family fun, choirs, live bands (Celtic Pride, Betti Galws, Daughters) and more.
• LM: The Soar project now has all funding in place for the structural work but need to focus on the next task of securing revenue funding, possibly as a social enterprise. Some funding in place for a Heritage officer, who would use the arts.

8. AOB
AR: Credit Union are making a film, which could include animation, to be available on DVD. They have applied to the Communities First Trust Fund and the Big Lottery and have secured some resources via Glamorgan Gates.
The film will be to promote financial inclusion, with tips on financial management and combating bad debt.
They are looking for stories which could be annonymous (if need be).

9. Next Steering Group meeting: 10th December 2009

Meeting/Cyfarfod 05/08/09

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

Steering Group / Grŵp Llywio
4.00pm, Wednesday, 5th August 2009

4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 5ydd o Awst 2009Civic Centre / Canolfan Ddinesig

Present:
Gus Payne – Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (GP), Lee Davies – 3Gs (LD), Carla Reynolds – Art and Enterprise (CR), Lesley Hodgson - Glamorgan Gates (LH).

1. Welcome / Apologies: Apologies received from; Alison Harris – VAMT, Sally McIntyre - Communities First, Dinah Pye – Active Music Service, Ken Long - Communities First, Kate Strudwick - H4A, David Jones - Yo! Maz, Chris Long - MTCBC.

2. Minutes from last meetingAll agreed last minutes as correct.
Creative Communities: The idea is still a possibility but following the failure to secure Convergence funding, MTCBC is now also looking at the possibility of its own Outcomes fund application, which would fit the CC format and could easily link in with other authorities.3. ACMF ChairNo nomination forms for the Chair and Vice Chair have been received. To facilitate future Chair’s role it was suggested to have timings alocated to each item on the agenda. Now that the group has been streamlined into a focus group, morning meetings may be more convenient for members.

4. ACMF main meeting format and date.
Suggested format and activities for the main meetings:
AGM type format.
Two meetings per year; one as an AGM type event then one six months on as a review with a similar format.
Produce an AGM type document, which would include:
Pictures
List of acheivments
Funding information
Updates
An invited speaker
Some sort of performance (possibly an extract from a forthcoming show)
A break as a networking opportunity
Refreshments
Speed dating – where individuals swap, spending 2 or 3 minutes to explain what they do.
A quiz with both fun and more relevant questions on the arts in the area. (50 questions).
A suggestion wall, with post-it notes – or some creative alternative
First new style meeting/event: February 2010

5. ACMF: A service provider or a networking tool?
All present felt that the Forum is a Networking tool though there has been some confusion around the Thought Sheet process, regarding who delivers on the idea’s posted. Ideas may be better recorded through the suggestion wall, which could be broken down into sections: Aspirations, SWOT etc.

6. ACMF at the Merthyr Show
This year the Arts, Culture and Media Forum have a stage at the Merthyr Show, on 31st August. The stage will be in the Bandstand area of the park. Performances currently confirmed are: Karen Moore, who has produced a CD in aid of cancer research, street dance from Ozza, 3Gs Choir and Dancers, H4A’s Pontlottyn Choir, Y Betti Galws, Glamorgan Gates Belly Dancers and Portuguese Folk Dancers.
If anyone else would like to perform, they need to contact arts@merthyr.gov.uk or 01685 725382 A.S.A.P.7. Updates / AOB

LD will be project managing this year’s “Merthyr’s Got Talent”, which will be on 6th November, with auditions on 7th October.
3Gs are working with partners as part of the New Music Forum to run a Battle of The Bands type event in Merthyr, with a grande finale in Bridgend.
3Gs are hoping to develop Bishop Hedley into a “Shool of The Future”, with hi-tec equipment including the capability to have international web conferencing, online lessons etc. There is a trip to see a school “School of The Future” in Abersychan on the morning of 16th September. Anyone interested should contact LD.
LD is in discussion with Jo Richards (Merthyr Tydfil College) to start up a dance aprenticeship.
3Gs will also be running another Pop Idol event.
Glamorgan Gates will be running the Big Draw again, during October at Cyfarthfa Park and Museum, using the theme of “World Colours”.
MTCBC will be employing a number of Arts Development trainees on the minimum wage as part of the Future Jobs Fund. The intention is that these posts will be based in a community setting most of the time but would come together to help with major community arts events (Global Village, Bedroc, Merthyr’s Got Talent etc.)
MTCBC are beginning to work on the idea of an International Artists Symposium

8. Next Steering Group meeting:
7th October, 4pm, VAMT

Meeting/Cyfarfod 03/06/09

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM
FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

4.00pm, Wednesday, 3rd June 2009
4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 3ydd o Fehefin 2009

Voluntary Action Centre / Canolfan Gweithredu Gwirfoddol

Present:
Alison Harris – VAMT (Acting Chair) (AH), Gus Payne – Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (GP), Sally McIntyre - Communities First (SM), Ceinwen Statter (CS), David Jones - Yo! Maz (DJ), Andrew Owen – The Foundary (AO), Jock Greer – The Foundary (JG), Kate Strudwick - H4A(KS), Jo Richards – Dance practitioner (JR), Chris Long - MTCBC, Anne-Marie Carpenter (AMC).

1. Welcome / Apologies:
Apologies received from; Karen Dusgate – MTHA, Dinah Pye – Active Music Service, Lis Mclean - Menter Iaith, Michelle Powell - Communities First, Lesley Hodgeson - Glamorgan Gates, Andrew Thomas – Merthyr Tydfil College, Lee Davies – 3Gs.

2. Minutes from last meeting
All agreed last minutes as correct. No Thought Sheets have been returned.

3. ACMF Chair
No nomination forms for the Chair and Vice Chair have been received. Alison Harris will act as Chair for the time being, until a permanent Chair is found.

4. The Foundary
Andrew Owen and Cllr. Jock Greer outlined a project idea they are developing to create a new Media project in Merthyr Tydfil.
They explained that the project would use the experience and knowledge gained from the Merthyr Media Project, with continuing links to the University of Glamorgan (drawing on links with those who helped set up GTFM and Cardiff Radio) but providing something that fits funding priorities better than MMP did.
The idea would be to create a community TV and radio station, together with a design studio, with the ambition to become self sustainable within three years.
The project would have an emphasis towards the voluntary sector, engaging with grassroots community groups across the board (recording and broadcasting community interest articles and activities).
The initial timescale would be three years.
Current targets would be 70 people into full-time work, together with many more on a part-time basis, with at least 180 going through the system.
The project could possibly link with tourism and business and the Media Foundation Degree. BBC has shown interest and would like to be involved. (18 past MMP users have gone on to work on the Dr Who programme, plus more on other TV projects)
Other ideas could also be taken on board at this early stage.
Time-scale – 12 months to start, with a 10 year Business Plan.
The project will be a social enterprise.
Various potential funders have been identified but not yet approached.
CS raised the issue of accessibility
AO explained that they could get access to the University of Glamorgan’s mobile unit
SM asked if the ACMF could see the Business Plan
KS expressed an interest in there being a link to H4A’s activities
DJ asked about age group targets.
AO There would be no closed doors. There would be 2 – 3 staff per year.
CL said there should be a Communities First link and asked what the (AO & JG’s) next step would be and what could the ACMF help with
AO & JG to meet Karen Dusgate at MTHA to explore some possibilities. ACMF could be the conduit to sustain the development process.

CL asked for a pitch document, which could be considered by funders and sent to the CF Partnership Support Network and other interest groups.

5. Sub-groups
GP received 5 nomination forms. All those who nominated themselves for the “Activities” group, also nominated themselves for the “Strategic” group. Therefore it was agreed to merge the two groups and have one focussed sub-group, to concentrate on pushing the ACMF agenda forward. allowing a whole forum meeting to be planned twice a year (consisting of invited speakers, updates and possibly training events). The purpose of this development is to make the sub-group more focussed and allow the wider group to become more appealing to the general attendee.
The first task of the sub-group would be to clarify the purpose of the ACMF: A service provider or a networking tool?

6. Updates
• Creative Communities may become a partnership project with H4A. Strinda Davies in RCT is currently pursuing at the possibilities and will be contact in all the community groups who showed an interest to reassess the position.
• Global Village had a positive evaluation the workshop sessions will have their own evaluation session on 12th June.
• Bedroc and other projects are also progressing with no further updates


7. AOB
• SM: Trefechan Communities First are working on an intergenerational project with The Willows in Troedyrhiw, to produce a piece of issue based theatre, tackling alcohol abuse.
• SM: 5th August is National Play Day, an event in Cyfarthfa Park. The project expects to engage 1000 children. Sarah Williams at the Play Forum in VAMT is searching for any donations of art materials (paper, pens, paints, kids glue, glitter etc.). If anyone can help, please contact Sarah at sarah@tricountyplay.co.uk.
• KS: Fflach / Flash is the new project from H4A leading to a community play for the 2010 National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale. Groups interested in getting involved should contact: Kate Strudwick on kate.strudwick@head4arts.org.uk. They are also working on bilingual lantern workshops, carnival catapilars and on continuing the Tiddly Proms (classical music for toddlers).

8. First Sub-Group meeting:
5th August, 4pm, Civic Centre. The next main ACMF meeting TBC

Meeting/Cyfarfod 01/04/09

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM
FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

4.00pm, Wednesday, 1st April 2009
4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 1af o Ebrill 2009

Civic Centre / Bishop Hedley High School (3Gs)

Present:
Gus Payne – Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (GP), Kate Strudwick - H4A(KS), Jo Richards – Dance practitioner (JR), David Jones - Yo! Maz (DJ), Lee Davies – 3Gs (LD), Alison Harris – VAMT (AH), Lis Mclean - Menter Iaith (LM).

1. Welcome / Apologies:
Apologies received from; Karen Dusgate – MTHA, Anne-Marie Carpenter (Chair) (AMC), Sally McIntyre - Communities First, Michelle Powell - Communities First (MP), Dinah Pye - Active Music Service (DP), Lesley Hodgeson - Glamorgan Gates, Chris Long - MTCBC, Andrew Thomas – Merthyr Tydfil College, Lisa Davies - Zoom Cymru.

2. Minutes from last meeting
All agreed last minutes as correct.
Meeting with Community Music Wales, Yo! Maz, MTCBC and Merthyr Tydfil College took place but took the form of a catch up meeting for the others as there were no college staff in attendance.

3. ACMF Chair
The ACMF Terms of Reference stipulate a maximum limit of 3 years for the Chair and a new Chair of the Forum should be elected by July 2009. Following a discussion on the length of time of continuous Chairship it was agreed that the ToR should not be amended. The ToR also advises an annual election, which will continue to be implemented.
Action: AH to send nomination forms via email to all ACMF members

4. Thought Sheet matrix appraisal
The group looked at the current matrix. Many of the Thought Sheet ideas have already been completed in some form or another, though there are still some gaps. The main project that has not been pursued is the Sunday in The Park idea. Which is still considered to be worth pursuing. This could be something that the proposed Activities group could look at and review after a set time scale (one year?). Suggestions for the Activities group could be to:
1. Draw up a rota and allocate a slot to a group
2. Regular intervals (i.e. last Sunday of every month)
3. Align with other events in the parks (Cyfarthfa and Taff Bargoed) or in the castle – or both
The possibility of a cover for the lakeside stage was also suggested. This would need to go through the strategic group, who would contact the relevant groups/individuals to clarify the possibilities alongside the proposed new developments for Cyfarthfa Park.
KS suggested breaking the matrix up into ‘aspirational projects’ and ‘happening’ projects.
And also that the matrix should perhaps focus more on setting up groups and programmes, rather than one off events.
Action: GP to forward Thought Sheets to ACMF members, suggesting up the idea of setting up groups and programmes

Updates
• Marquee; Public Art Strategy; Hong Kong Alley Artwork; Soar Arts Centre; Global Village; Arts Centre
No further updates since last month’s meeting.
• Creative Communities
GP, CL, KS and other local authority representatives from across the CC patch met with Strinda Davies - RCT (SD), who has taken over since Kevin Jakeaway’s post ceased.
CC has now essentially become two linked projects; a community participation strand (Outcomes fund) and a social entreprise strand (Convergence). The social enterprise strand has temporarily been parked due to the practicalities involved with funding priorities and a lack of realistic match funding required.
Financially the current CC (participation) project would be around £250k (though SD was going to press for an increase. This breaks down as £15k per authority per year. To get value for money this £15k (or there abouts) could form a project pot (rather than a part-time post) for CC, empowering the ACMF, to deliver on some of the priorities for Merthyr.
• H4A (KS)
H4A will also be in discussion with CC to decide on who delivers what and clarify where the boundaries are. There may also be the possibility of H4A having a Welsh language base with the Canolfan Gymraeg, Merthyr Tydfil.
H4A’s performance Valley’s Girl was completed on 28th March. Generally the project has been a great success with various art forms used and participation form all four county boroughs, including different age groups, disability groups and using both English and Welsh. However both LM and LD had some concerns about their groups feeling disempowered. KS expressed the need to include everyone and the way in which some groups took part (older ages and severely disabled) was purely through writing and recording (rather than live performance). KS also explained that this was the first project across the four boroughs and with hindsight some things would have been done diferently. The discussion ended and KS left the meeting before AOB. The subject raised again during AOB when GP reassured the group that there would be an evaluation process and any concerns could be discussed then.

6. AOB
LD and JR are about to submit a bid for a Dance Aprenticeship Scheme to a Home Office Anti-Street Crime initiative.
LM expressed a requirement for dance tutors who could speak Welsh as there is a high demand for dance through the medium of Welsh, but few tutors to facilitate.
LD explained that he is also interested in making a heritage book and is looking at the possibilities through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
LD expressed a need for the ACMF to work more with disability groups – a discussion on the 3Gs’ project Iron and Steal and Valleys Girl (please see above) then ensued.

7. Next meeting:
3rd June, 4pm, VAMT

Meeting/Cyfarfod 11/03/09

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM
FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

4.00pm, Wednesday, 11th March 2009
4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 11eg o Fawrth 2009

Civic Centre / Canolfan Ddinesig

Present:
Gus Payne – Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (GP), Anne-Marie Carpenter (Chair) (AC), Dinah Pye - Active Music Service (DP), Michelle Powell - Communities First (MP), Alison Harris – VAMT (AH), Lis Mclean - Menter Iaith (LM), David Jones - Yo! Maz (DJ), Kate Strudwick - H4A(KS), Jo Richards – Dance practitioner (JR).

1. Welcome / Apologies:
Apologies received from; Lesley Hodgeson - Glamorgan Gates, Karen Dusgate - MTHA, Sally McIntyre - Communities First, Chris Long - MTCBC, Lee Davies - 3Gs, Lisa Davies - Zoom Cymru.

2. Minutes from last meeting
All agreed last minutes as correct.
Meeting with Community Music Wales, Yo! Maz, MTCBC and Merthyr Tydfil College postponed until tomorrow (12/3/09) due to snow.

3. ACMF structure
GP presented the group with a proposed plan for a new ACMF structure. The intention of the plan is to establish two targeted groups to concerntrate on strategic and operational areas of the forum, allowing the main ACMF to be able to showcase proposals and invite specific speakers, to interest the broader arts community, while also reducing the duration of the main meetings to one hour maximum.

The table agreed the proposal. Structure to be confirmed at next meeting (subject to any response from wider group).

MP confirmed that she has been nominated by CF, to be the CF link for the borough.

Action: GP to forward a Declaration of Interest to ACMF members

4 Updates
• Marquee (GP)
Aberfan Carnival (supported by Aberfan CF), have agreed to manage the marquee and seem have all the requirements in place. GP is waiting for copies of the relevant documentation from Abervan Carnival before Legal draw up the agreement.
• Public Art Strategy (GP)
Proceeding as planned. Community Empowerment strand is now being delivered by Groundwork Merthyr RCT. The other two strands were not confirmed for this year.
• Hong Kong Alley Artwork (MP)
Town and Park Communities First have been successful in being awarded funding to lead on this project (GGates, the Info Shop and MTCBC are also linked). A consultation exhibition has been launched, with no objections to any of the work. Nat West have still not agreed for their side of the wall, but MP is still hopefull. Painting is due to begin on 23rd March. Park and Town CF will also be survaying users of the alley way.
There are also future plans to deliver a mosaic at Merthyr Tydfil Train Station
• Creative Communities (MP)
Kevin Jakeawy is no longer employed for this project (but is available for consultancy work). Strinda Davies at Rhondda Cynon Taf is now leading on the project. CC’s application to the Outcomes Fund means that it is now moving away from the social enterprise emphasis, closer towards a participation and community arts emphasis. The potential similarities to H4A mean that CC and H4A need to discuss the implications and possibilities. Watch this space!
Action: KS to contact Strinda Davies to discuss possibilities
• Soar Arts Centre (LM)
Soar chapel had it’s dissolution service earlier this week (10/3/09). The service was very moving. A bilingual book is being published, charting the history of the chapel and it’s congregation. Menter Iaith now have access to the land behind the chapel, which has been bought by MTCBC. The eventual main enterance to the Arts Centre will be through the car park and permission has been grated by Cadw to create a new entrance into the building. £300,000 is still needed to complete the work but LM feels very positive (especially in the context of the level funds already secured).
LM also expressed her gratitude towards the ACMF and towards AH in particular for her introduction to the ACMF, where the support from the non-Welsh speaking community was first initiated.
• H4A (KS)
H4A’s performance Valley’s Girl has now moved from Dowlais Engine House to the Canolfan Gymraeg on 28th March, due to staffing issues. H4A dance sessions are still taking place at the Engine House who continue to be supportive. The project is one play in four acts, following the seasons of the year and life (Merthyr is winter). Songs from each area work independantly but can also work with the other three. Hopefully audiences will travel to see all four performances.
LM has been impressed by the intergration of the Welsh language in H4A.
H4A are looking at the potential to be able to use the Eisteddfod site, when it visits Ebbw Vale in 2010.
Will also be running two programmes per year to teach simple crafts to group leaders who can then pass on the simple skills to their community groups.
Tiddly Proms coming back through Night Out in July.
• Global Village (GP)
The Global Village workshops application to Arts Council of Wales has been successful. There have also been contributions from both CF Town and Park (MP leading) and Penydarren (Lee Davies 3Gs leading). A meeting is scheduled on 18/3/09 to progress this.
KS communicated that H4A would also like to be involved.
• Arts Centre (GP)
No news as yet. The meeting where Artservice were due to present their feasibilty study to MTCBC has been postponed.
JR suggested inviting Hamish Fiffe from the University of Glamorgan to a future ACMF meeting, for us to get a University of Glamorgan perspective.

5. Thought Sheet Matrix
Due to lack of time, this item was postponed until the 1st April meeting.

6. AOB
LM praised the 3Gs’ Iron and Steal production at Myfanwy Theatre, for its participative value and standard of work. Others who had also seen the production were in strong agreement with LM.

7. Next meeting:
1st April, 4pm, Bishop Hedley High School

Meeting/Cyfarfod 10/12/08

MERTHYR TYDFIL ARTS CULTURE & MEDIA FORUM
FFORWM Y CELFYDDYDAU, DIWYLLIANT A’R CYFRYNGAU

4.00pm, Wednesday, 10th December 2008
4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 10fed o Rhagfyr 2008

Voluntary Action Centre / Canolfan Gweithredu Gwirfoddol

Present:
Gus Payne (GP) MTCBC Arts Development, Alun Bond (AB)Artservice, John Matthews (JM)Artservice, Hannah Jenkins (HJ)Community Music Wales, Martyn Jones (MJ)Merthyr Tydfil College Lecturer and artist, Dinah Pye (DP)Active Music Service, Ken Long (KL)Communities First, Chris Long (CL)MTCBC Economic Dev & Arts, Tourism , Kevin Jakeway (KJ)Creative Communities, Alison Harris (AH)VAMT, Lis Mclean (LM)Menter Iaith, David Jones (DJ)Yo! Maz.

Apologies:
Liz Wright Merthyr Tydfil Art Society, Lee Davies 3Gs, Lisa Davies Zoom Cymru, Kate Strudwick H4A, Val Williams Chance Encounters, Anne-Marie Carpenter (AC) Independent (Chair), Stuart Bartz Blue Scar, Michelle Powell (MP)Communities First.

1. Welcome / Apologies
In Anne-Marie’s absence GP and later AH acted as chair and welcomed the group with a round of introductions.

2. Minutes from last meeting
All agreed last minutes as correct.
KJ Informed the group that Arts Connect are currently at the stage of looking more closely at potential models for a joined up arts service across the south Wales valleys and Monmouthshire.

3. Community Music Wales (CMW)
HJ outlined CMW:
• CMW is a charity
• Music for all – transcending social and geographical boundaries
• Throughout Wales with offices in Cardiff and Caernarfon
• Through English and Welsh
• Focus less on classical, which dominates school provision
• Based in community settings
• CMW tutors come with all necessary equipment.
• Training providers (OCN etc) for tutors, issue based work
• Project work including record labels
(Please visit www.communitymusicwales.co.uk for more detail)

DP emphasised that schools are broadening their music provision beyond classical.
HJ agreed and elaborated that CMW are working with some schools on Basic Skills projects.
DP asked about CMW links with choirs
HJ clarified that CMW are keen to build links with all community groups, especially choirs.
MJ asked about possible links with colleges
HJ responded that CMW would bee keen to make stronger links with Merthyr Tydfil College and agreed to meet up sometime with MJ, GP and Andrew Thomas (Performing Arts at MT College)
KJ asked about Career Pathways through CMW
HJ explained that they try to develop tutors from service users. CMW also promote bands and artists to develop through the industry, highlighting some successes that are now signed to major record companies and touring UK and other countries.
CL asked what resources could be available from a Merthyr Tydfil perspective?
HJ explained that CMW have just been successful in a pan Wales bid. Her visit today will help assess the needs of MT. In the meeting to be arranged with GP, DJ, MJ and Andrew Thomas a way forward on delivering something will be discussed
CL suggested six events in Merthyr parks, (Cyfarthfa and Parc Taff Bargoed) throughout the year. Could CMW fund that type of project?
HJ replied, yes, potentially, but this would need to be planned and take into account other needs across Wales.
MJ suggested discussing a project that may include other art forms.
KL added that community partnerships should be involved at an early stage. This type of project could be rolled out into other parks in the borough.
KJ also added that this would be something Creative Communities could also be involved in.
HJ agreed that it should be based at grassroots to build sustainability.
Action: GP to organise meeting with HJ, DJ MJ and Andrew Thomas

4. Arts Centre Feasibility Study
AB highlighted the three main elements of the Feasibility Study:
1. The study/market appraisal,/business plan
2. Identifying the site location
3. Venue design
The first two parts are now complete (but need to be passed by council)
The third point is being drawn up at present.
The critical element now is the funding. The current economic climate is also a factor and may affect decisions from WAG, especially for such a major capital project. Arts Council will not be in a position until at least 2012.
AB reminded the group of the Study’s background (Lead by Uni Glam, funded by WAG, supported by MTCBC etc. Please see minutes from 10/06/08 for further info)
The centre would be an Arts and Enterprise Centre for Merthyr Tydfil and the wider Heads of The Valleys region.
There would be a clear link with MT College to benefit Merthyr Tydfil in educational terms, together with being a community venue where people naturally gravitate towards.
At this stage at least the project includes exhibition space, workshops...a range of facilities with flexibility. Not dissimilar to the Galeri model in north Wales, with 24 workshop units, which could include the likes of Yo! Maz, Merthyr Media Project etc.
There would be a core performance space together with other spaces:
Main auditorium; 500 seating/600 standing
3 studio spaces (1. dance, 2. general and 3. a 120 retractable seat theatre).
Programming:
60 professional performances a year
Programmable and community events.
A visual arts space, music, digital editing and flexible space for hire for meetings, conferences, training etc.
There should be a link with Welsh institutions (Royal College of Music and Drama, Welsh National Theatre, the new English Language Welsh National Theatre etc.)

AB shared with the group his experience during the consultation of overwhelming support for “something” in Merthyr Tydfil. There may have been the expectation that some community groups would say something to the effect of “what’s the point in spending money on this project”, AB’s actual experience was that while events currently take place in many community venues, the opportunity to take local groups to a bigger venue for a larger scale, more high profile event is currently not an option, within the county borough.

Site options:
A range of sites were considered, with a need to be close to both the
town centre and the college.
St Tydfil’s Square is owned by the private sector but with no real will from the owners to develop the site this option is unrealistic.
The proposed location is at a location, outside the flood plane, along the river, including a replacement footbridge. This location meets the requirements of having good footfall, has good parking, is close to the college but is not an educational facility

LM asked if the Old Town Hall was considered.
AB replied that it was considered but was weaker relation to the new build proposal when considering:
1. Footfall
2. Parking
3. Proximity to the college
4. Being compromised by other agendas. The Old Town Hall is valid for heritage reasons but not for a purpose built arts centre for the future.
CL agreed that there may have been issues with the night time economy of the area.
AB continued that the new build location is good regionally, following the retail example. The Cyfarthfa Retail Park and the new Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Village at Rhydycar (with a multiplex Vue cinema etc.) have both had a great deal of investment and resources put into them illustrating by their success that people will travel into Merthyr for shopping and leisure.
The parking straight off the A470 is also a bonus that cuts journey time in comparison to Cardiff and Swansea.
DP expressed that an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical coming to Merthyr would inspire people, so the auditorium should be able to take that scale and calibre of performance.
MJ pointed out that MT College are keen to provide a platform for future employers. Highlighted the example of Craft In The Bay as a partial model for the visual arts at a future Merthyr Tydfil venue, with an accessible exhibition space, with a cafe and events like Children’s Pottery Parties etc.
HJ asked who would run the proposed centre
AB replied, key stakeholders; an independent trust, including Uni Glam, MTCBC
KJ asked if it would be architecturally interesting.
AB replied; Yes.
A proposed scheme should be ready to take to potential funders next month.

5.Updates:
5.1 Marquee (GP)
The marquee and PA are still looking for a permanent home and management group. The manufactures have quoted £1400 to train a group how to erect and dismantle the marquee.
Though the project has its issues it still has great potential as a community asset for the borough (and wider region).
The main issue is identifying a stable group of volunteers or a social enterprise who could erect and dismantle the marquee safely.
The PA is also currently in a similar state of limbo but is being managed on an ad hoc basis by Merthyr Media Project.
KL said that he would take the idea to the partnerships he works with for outdoor events.
DP suggested TY Hafan and the Fire Service
AH suggested T-Mobile volunteers
Action: KL to raise the possibility of the Marquee to partnerships

5.2 Public Art Strategy (GP)
Proceeding as planned. The funding of the Community Empowerment strand, for £25000 into Merthyr Tydfil has now been confirmed by WAG. GP will be issuing tenders next week to potential management teams to deliver the project along the Trevithick Trail as it passes through Merthyr Town centre.

5.3 Hong Kong Alley Artwork (GP)
Town and Park Communities First have been successful in being awarded funding to lead on this project. Sessions are due to start in the dew year to develop designs for the Glamorgan Gates side of the alley way. Nat West has still not agreed to their wall being worked on.

5.4 Town Centre Lantern Parade/Gymanfa Ganu (GP)
General consensus was that this project was very successful, with around 500 people participating.
LM asked what was MTCBC’s view of the project
CL informed the group that both Head of Regeneration, Bev Owen and Cllr Jeff Edwards were very pleased with the event and described it as a success.
GP added that his general perception of attendees, whilst on duty as the event finished (ensuring no children run onto the road), was very positive. There were areas to build upon and improve for the future and maybe the event wasn’t a true Gymanfa Ganu, But for those unfamiliar with Gymanfoedd Ganu, the carols and procession would have been a very positive seasonal event, which brought together different generations and organisations (Communities First, MTCBC, Menter Iaith and 5 schools) in a very positive way.

5.5 Creative Communities (KJ)
CC has been shortlisted, from 18 applications as one of 7 Wefo Demonstration Projects. The next step is for him to answer some questions at an interview meeting on 17th December. (MP will also be attending with him). KJ feels very confident and positive about answering the questions, which are based around “research” and should be simple to answer as CC has all the information available.
CC is the only entry under the “Culture” theme.
KJ is still waiting for info on Convergence but feels the project will need to restructure and he will need to write up a procurement process.
A difficulty is the timeline. KJ’s contract will currently end before Convergence.
Objective 1 to the end of June. He is currently working to extend his contract to join up with Convergence.
CL asked what would happen if there was no Convergence funding?
KJ explained that in that event, CC would support key projects; radio, cultural groups with cultural tourism etc.

5.6 Soar Arts Centre (LM)
Menter Iaith have begun to extend the activities in Soar/Y Ganolfan Gymraeg, emphasising that the project is about the people who use, and will use the centre in the future, rather than the heritage of the building (which is a positive aspect but secondary to the activity the venue will allow).
The project has secured £1,008,000 so far but still needs £360,000 which is waiting for a decision from the Big Lottery.
The project is on schedule but LM wanted to start building work in November but this has been delayed due to issues with solicitors, ownership of land etc.
CL asked if the project could continue if with the shortfall and would there be a “domino effect” if the unsecured funding fails to be granted.
LM answered “no”.
People will soon be approached to form a management committee, with reference back to forms returned last year.
DP asked how Soar would fit with the proposed larger scale Merthyr Arts Centre?
LM agreed that the larger project would certainly have an effect but she has discussed the idea with AB and both could feed off each other. Both would need to work together. The two working together is an opportunity more than a threat.

5.7 H4A (GP)
H4A’s current work is using the theme “Valley’s Girl”. GP referred to a hand out passed onto him by H4A:
Valley’s Girl is a performance project, that aims to draw upon several art forms and disciplines to create a four-stage, bilingual, multimedia presentation devised and performed by members of the community. A performance will be created in each of the county boroughs that Head for Arts serves; with performances in Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil. Each performance will explore a different aspect of a Valley’s Girl’s life; with the Torfaen performance looking at childhood, the Blaenau Gwent performance focusing on courtship, the Caerphilly performance portraying the passing of time and the Merthyr Tydfil performance exploring aging and reflection. Each performance will also be linked to the four seasons of the year with childhood being linked to spring, courtship being linked to summer, the passing of time being linked to autumn and aging and reflection being linked to winter. The theme of the seasons will pinpoint the act of renewal as generation succeeds generation. The project explores the concept of time and therefore aims to involve community members of all ages. The project explores the lives of women and our relationships with women. It does not seek to be a historical or heritage project, but rather a celebration of life in song, words, film and dance. Merthyr Performance of “Valley’s Girl”, Sunday 29th March 2009 at the Engine House, Dowlais. Three ways people can get involved: Valleys’ Drama, Valleys’ Digital Stories and the Festival of Four. For further information, please visit: www.head4arts.org.uk or contact: 01495 357816.
LM expressed that she has been pleased to see the amount of effort being put into bilingualism from the H4A team. However she also disliked the “Valley’s Girl” name and had some misgivings about feedback she’d had from the workshop session for staff at Llanhilleth. LM felt the title should be “Valley’s Woman”, rather than “Girl”, as she feels the word “girl” has dismissive overtones, describing adults as children.
A short but lively discussion followed. GP clarified that his understanding was that the term “Valley’s Girl” was taken from a t-shirt design, originally by the very politically aware, left-wing Welsh band the Manic Street Preachers. There were also “Valley’s Boy” t-shirts at the time and both proved to be so successful amongst valleys people that the design went on to be used by other designers and sold in numerous gift and t-shirt shops throughout Wales, giving valleys people ownership of the design and the term “Valley’s Girl” (and “Valley’s Boy”). Referring to the workshop day GP informed the group that he attended the first half and there were some negative overtones expressed by one person in particular when asked to respond to the term “Valley’s Girl”, but other people had very positive responses, using flowers and other imagery as a starting point (e.g. “what kind of flower would a valley’s girl be” and then why? etc.)

6. Thought Sheets
GP drew attention to the blank Thought Sheets included with the last minutes.
MJ handed in two suggestions; A Ceramic Cafe & Gallery and Park or Garden Sculpture
CL Reminded the group that we will also need to appraise the last series of entries on the matrix.
Action: Ensure Thought Sheet matrix appraisal is in the next agenda

7. AOB
Chair
GP explained that Anne-Marie Carpenter has been in touch and would like to meet sometime to discuss the Chair’s role and her current availability etc. The deadline for re-electing a chair and vice chair is now due and should be included in the next agenda.
Action: GP to meet with AC
Begin process to re-nominate / nominate a chair and vice chair.

8. Next meeting:
11th March, 4pm, Civic Centre (Original date, 4th Feb, changed due to heavy snow).

Arts forum meeting Cancelled - Cyfarfod Wedi Dileu!

Just incase the weather doesn't improve we have decided to cancel the Forum meeting planned for tomorrow (4/2/09) and have set a new date for WEDNESDAY 11^th MARCH, at 4pm at the Civic Centre.
Gus P & Alison H

Meeting/Cyfarfod 10/12/08

4.00pm, Wednesday, 10th December 2008
4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 10fed o Rhagfyr 2008

Voluntary Action Centre
Canolfan Gweithredu Gwirfoddol

Present:
Gus Payne - MTCBC Arts Development (GP), Alun Bond - Artservice(AB), John Matthews - Artservice(JM), Hannah Jenkins - Community Music Wales(HJ), Martyn Jones - Merthyr Tydfil College Lecturer and artist(MJ)Dinah Pye - Active Music Service(DP), Ken Long - Communities First(KL), Chris Long - MTCBC Economic Dev & Arts, Tourism (CL), Kevin Jakeway - Creative Communities(KJ), Alison Harris - VAMT(AH), Lis Mclean - Menter Iaith (LM), David Jones - Yo! Maz (DJ).

Apologies:
Liz Wright - Merthyr Tydfil Art Society, Lee Davies - 3Gs, Lisa Davies - Zoom Cymru, Kate Strudwick - H4A, Val Williams - Chance Encounters, Anne-Marie Carpenter - Independent (Chair)(AC), Stuart Bartz - Blue Scar, Michelle Powell - Communities First(MP)

1. Welcome / Apologies
In Anne-Marie’s absence GP and later AH acted as chair and welcomed the group with a round of introductions.

2. Minutes from last meeting
All agreed last minutes as correct.
KJ Informed the group that Arts Connect are currently at the stage of looking more closely at potential models for a joined up arts service across the south Wales valleys and Monmouthshire.

3. Community Music Wales (CMW)
HJ outlined CMW:
• CMW is a charity
• Music for all – transcending social and geographical boundaries
• Throughout Wales with offices in Cardiff and Caernarfon
• Through English and Welsh
• Focus less on classical, which dominates school provision
• Based in community settings
• CMW tutors come with all necessary equipment.
• Training providers (OCN etc) for tutors, issue based work
• Project work including record labels
(Please visit www.communitymusicwales.co.uk for more detail)

DP emphasised that schools are broadening their music provision beyond classical.
HJ agreed and elaborated that CMW are working with some schools on Basic Skills projects.

DP asked about CMW links with choirs
HJ clarified that CMW are keen to build links with all community groups, especially choirs.

MJ asked about possible links with colleges
HJ responded that CMW would bee keen to make stronger links with Merthyr Tydfil College and agreed to meet up sometime with MJ, GP and Andrew Thomas (Performing Arts at MT College)

KJ asked about Career Pathways through CMW
HJ explained that they try to develop tutors from service users. CMW also promote bands and artists to develop through the industry, highlighting some successes that are now signed to major record companies and touring UK and other countries.
CL asked what resources could be available from a Merthyr Tydfil perspective?
HJ explained that CMW have just been successful in a pan Wales bid. Her visit today will help assess the needs of MT. In the meeting to be arranged with GP, DJ, MJ and Andrew Thomas a way forward on delivering something will be discussed
CL suggested six events in Merthyr parks, (Cyfarthfa and Parc Taff Bargoed) throughout the year. Could CMW fund that type of project?

HJ replied, yes, potentially, but this would need to be planned and take into account other needs across Wales.

MJ suggested discussing a project that may include other art forms.
KL added that community partnerships should be involved at an early stage. This type of project could be rolled out into other parks in the borough.
KJ also added that this would be something Creative Communities could also be involved in.

HJ agreed that it should be based at grassroots to build sustainability.
Action: GP to organise meeting with HJ, DJ MJ and Andrew Thomas

4. Arts Centre Feasibility Study
AB highlighted the three main elements of the Feasibility Study:
1. The study/market appraisal,/business plan
2. Identifying the site location
3. Venue design
The first two parts are now complete (but need to be passed by council)
The third point is being drawn up at present.

The critical element now is the funding. The current economic climate is also a factor and may affect decisions from WAG, especially for such a major capital project. Arts Council will not be in a position until at least 2012.

AB reminded the group of the Study’s background (Lead by Uni Glam, funded by WAG, supported by MTCBC etc. Please see minutes from 10/06/08 for further info)
The centre would be an Arts and Enterprise Centre for Merthyr Tydfil and the wider Heads of The Valleys region.

There would be a clear link with MT College to benefit Merthyr Tydfil in educational terms, together with being a community venue where people naturally gravitate towards.

At this stage at least the project includes exhibition space, workshops...a range of facilities with flexibility. Not dissimilar to the Galeri model in north Wales, with 24 workshop units, which could include the likes of Yo! Maz, Merthyr Media Project etc.

There would be a core performance space together with other spaces:
Main auditorium; 500 seating/600 standing
3 studio spaces (1. dance, 2. general and 3. a 120 retractable seat theatre).
Programming:
60 professional performances a year
Programmable and community events.
A visual arts space, music, digital editing and flexible space for hire for meetings, conferences, training etc.

There should be a link with Welsh institutions (Royal College of Music and Drama, Welsh National Theatre, the new English Language Welsh National Theatre etc.)

AB shared with the group his experience during the consultation of overwhelming support for “something” in Merthyr Tydfil. There may have been the expectation that some community groups would say something to the effect of “what’s the point in spending money on this project”, AB’s actual experience was that while events currently take place in many community venues, the opportunity to take local groups to a bigger venue for a larger scale, more high profile event is currently not an option, within the county borough.

Site options:
A range of sites were considered, with a need to be close to both the
town centre and the college.

St Tydfil’s Square is owned by the private sector but with no real will from the owners to develop the site this option is unrealistic.

The proposed location is at a location, outside the flood plane, along the river, including a replacement footbridge. This location meets the requirements of having good footfall, has good parking, is close to the college but is not an educational facility

LM asked if the Old Town Hall was considered.

AB replied that it was considered but was weaker relation to the new build proposal when considering:
1. Footfall
2. Parking
3. Proximity to the college
4. Being compromised by other agendas. The Old Town Hall is valid for heritage reasons but not for a purpose built arts centre for the future.

CL agreed that there may have been issues with the night time economy of the area.
AB continued that the new build location is good regionally, following the retail example. The Cyfarthfa Retail Park and the new Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Village at Rhydycar (with a multiplex Vue cinema etc.) have both had a great deal of investment and resources put into them illustrating by their success that people will travel into Merthyr for shopping and leisure.

The parking straight off the A470 is also a bonus that cuts journey time in comparison to Cardiff and Swansea.

DP expressed that an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical coming to Merthyr would inspire people, so the auditorium should be able to take that scale and calibre of performance.

MJ pointed out that MT College are keen to provide a platform for future employers. Highlighted the example of Craft In The Bay as a partial model for the visual arts at a future Merthyr Tydfil venue, with an accessible exhibition space, with a cafe and events like Children’s Pottery Parties etc.

HJ asked who would run the proposed centre

AB replied, key stakeholders; an independent trust, including Uni Glam, MTCBC
KJ asked if it would be architecturally interesting.
AB replied; Yes.

A proposed scheme should be ready to take to potential funders next month.

Updates:

5.1 Marquee (GP)
The marquee and PA are still looking for a permanent home and management group. The manufactures have quoted £1400 to train a group how to erect and dismantle the marquee.

Though the project has its issues it still has great potential as a community asset for the borough (and wider region).

The main issue is identifying a stable group of volunteers or a social enterprise who could erect and dismantle the marquee safely.

The PA is also currently in a similar state of limbo but is being managed on an ad hoc basis by Merthyr Media Project.

KL said that he would take the idea to the partnerships he works with for outdoor events.

DP suggested TY Hafan and the Fire Service
AH suggested T-Mobile volunteers KL to raise the possibility of the Marquee to partnerships

5.2 Public Art Strategy(GP)
Proceeding as planned. The funding of the Community Empowerment strand, for £25000 into Merthyr Tydfil has now been confirmed by WAG. GP will be issuing tenders next week to potential management teams to deliver the project along the Trevithick Trail as it passes through Merthyr Town centre.

5.3 Hong Kong Alley Artwork (GP)
Town and Park Communities First have been successful in being awarded funding to lead on this project. Sessions are due to start in the dew year to develop designs for the Glamorgan Gates side of the alley way. Nat West has still not agreed to their wall being worked on.

5.4 Town Centre Lantern Parade/Gymanfa Ganu (GP)
General consensus was that this project was very successful, with around 500 people participating.

LM asked what was MTCBC’s view of the project

CL informed the group that both Head of Regeneration, Bev Owen and Cllr Jeff Edwards were very pleased with the event and described it as a success.

GP added that his general perception of attendees, whilst on duty as the event finished (ensuring no children run onto the road), was very positive. There were areas to build upon and improve for the future and maybe the event wasn’t a true Gymanfa Ganu, But for those unfamiliar with Gymanfoedd Ganu, the carols and procession would have been a very positive seasonal event, which brought together different generations and organisations (Communities First, MTCBC, Menter Iaith and 5 schools) in a very positive way.

5.5 Creative Communities (KJ)
CC has been shortlisted, from 18 applications as one of 7 Wefo Demonstration Projects. The next step is for him to answer some questions at an interview meeting on 17th December. (MP will also be attending with him). KJ feels very confident and positive about answering the questions, which are based around “research” and should be simple to answer as CC has all the information available.
CC is the only entry under the “Culture” theme.

KJ is still waiting for info on Convergence but feels the project will need to restructure and he will need to write up a procurement process.

A difficulty is the timeline. KJ’s contract will currently end before Convergence.
Objective 1 to the end of June. He is currently working to extend his contract to join up with Convergence.

CL asked what would happen if there was no Convergence funding?
KJ explained that in that event, CC would support key projects; radio, cultural groups with cultural tourism etc.

5.6 Soar Arts Centre (LM)
Menter Iaith have begun to extend the activities in Soar/Y Ganolfan Gymraeg, emphasising that the project is about the people who use, and will use the centre in the future, rather than the heritage of the building (which is a positive aspect but secondary to the activity the venue will allow).

The project has secured £1,008,000 so far but still needs £360,000 which is waiting for a decision from the Big Lottery.

The project is on schedule but LM wanted to start building work in November but this has been delayed due to issues with solicitors, ownership of land etc.
CL asked if the project could continue if with the shortfall and would there be a “domino effect” if the unsecured funding fails to be granted.
LM answered “no”.

People will soon be approached to form a management committee, with reference back to forms returned last year.
DP asked how Soar would fit with the proposed larger scale Merthyr Arts Centre?
LM agreed that the larger project would certainly have an effect but she has discussed the idea with AB and both could feed off each other. Both would need to work together. The two working together is an opportunity more than a threat.

5.7 H4A (GP)
H4A’s current work is using the theme “Valley’s Girl”. GP referred to a hand out passed onto him by H4A:

Valley’s Girl is a performance project, that aims to draw upon several art forms and disciplines to create a four-stage, bilingual, multimedia presentation devised and performed by members of the community. A performance will be created in each of the county boroughs that Head for Arts serves; with performances in Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil. Each performance will explore a different aspect of a Valley’s Girl’s life; with the Torfaen performance looking at childhood, the Blaenau Gwent performance focusing on courtship, the Caerphilly performance portraying the passing of time and the Merthyr Tydfil performance exploring aging and reflection. Each performance will also be linked to the four seasons of the year with childhood being linked to spring, courtship being linked to summer, the passing of time being linked to autumn and aging and reflection being linked to winter. The theme of the seasons will pinpoint the act of renewal as generation succeeds generation. The project explores the concept of time and therefore aims to involve community members of all ages. The project explores the lives of women and our relationships with women. It does not seek to be a historical or heritage project, but rather a celebration of life in song, words, film and dance. Merthyr Performance of “Valley’s Girl”, Sunday 29th March 2009 at the Engine House, Dowlais. Three ways people can get involved: Valleys’ Drama, Valleys’ Digital Stories and the Festival of Four. For further information, please visit: www.head4arts.org.uk or contact: 01495 357816.

LM expressed that she has been pleased to see the amount of effort being put into bilingualism from the H4A team. However she also disliked the “Valley’s Girl” name and had some misgivings about feedback she’d had from the workshop session for staff at Llanhilleth. LM felt the title should be “Valley’s Woman”, rather than “Girl”, as she feels the word “girl” has dismissive overtones, describing adults as children.
A short but lively discussion followed. GP clarified that his understanding was that the term “Valley’s Girl” was taken from a t-shirt design, originally by the very politically aware, left-wing Welsh band the Manic Street Preachers. There were also “Valley’s Boy” t-shirts at the time and both proved to be so successful amongst valleys people that the design went on to be used by other designers and sold in numerous gift and t-shirt shops throughout Wales, giving valleys people ownership of the design and the term “Valley’s Girl” (and “Valley’s Boy”). Referring to the workshop day GP informed the group that he attended the first half and there were some negative overtones expressed by one person in particular when asked to respond to the term “Valley’s Girl”, but other people had very positive responses, using flowers and other imagery as a starting point (e.g. “what kind of flower would a valley’s girl be” and then why? etc.)

6. Thought Sheets
GP drew attention to the blank Thought Sheets included with the last minutes.
MJ handed in two suggestions; A Ceramic Cafe & Gallery and Park or Garden Sculpture
CL Reminded the group that we will also need to appraise the last series of entries on the matrix.
Action: Ensure Thought Sheet matrix appraisal is in the next agenda

7. AOB
Chair
GP explained that Anne-Marie Carpenter has been in touch and would like to meet sometime to discuss the Chair’s role and her current availability etc. The deadline for re-electing a chair and vice chair is now due and should be included in the next agenda.
Action: GP to meet with AC. Begin process to re-nominate / nominate a chair and vice chair.

8. Next meeting:
4th February, 4pm, Voluntary Action Centre

Meeting/Cyfarfod 01/10/08

4.00pm, Wednesday, 1st October 2008
4.00yh, Dydd Mercher, 1af o Hydref 2008
Civic Centre
Canolfan Ddinesig

Present:
Gus Payne (GP) MTCBC Arts Development, Alan Lane (AL) Merthyr Tydfil Art Society, Dinah Pye (DP) Active Music Service, Lisa Derrik (LiD) Glamorgan Gates, Stuart Bartz (SB) Blue Scar Art Website, Ken Long (KL) Communities First, Chris Long (CL) MTCBC Economic Dev & Arts, Tourism, Kevin Jakeway (KJ) Creative Communities, Alison Harris (AH) VAMT, Lee Davies (LeD) 3Gs,

Apologies:
Lisbeth McLean Canolfan a Menter Iaith Merthyr Tudful , Karen Dusgate Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association, Lisa Davies Zoom, Sue Williams Ynysowen Youth and Community Project, Liz Wright Merthyr Tydfil Art Society, Kate Strudwick H4A, Michelle Powell Town and Park Communities First, Anne-Marie Carpenter (Chair), Val Williams Chance Encounters, Lesley Hodgeson Glamorgan Gates, David Jones Yo! Maz, Helen Vincent Valleys Dance.

1. Welcome
In Anne-Marie’s absence AH acted as chair and welcomed the group with a round of introductions.

2. Minutes from last meeting
All agreed last minutes as correct, apart form DP who’s apologies were not originally recorded. And JKs name was misspelt.

CL advised the group that The Old Town Hall is included and assessed in the Draft Arts Centre Feasibility Study.

A short discussion continued with some concern that Merthyr is still far from certain to receive this development, with Ebbw Vale also in strong contention to receive the funding for a Heads of The Valleys Regional Arts Centre. General consensus was that both Merthyr and Ebbw Vale have differing strengths but expectation was that the Old Town Hall would possibly not be assessed as the preferred option, as it is probably not big enough to accommodate the recommended scheme. Rather than putting too much emphasis on “possible” findings, CL suggested asking Alun Bond of Artservice to present his findings to the group at the next meeting
Invite Alun Bond to next meeting

3. Terms of Reference
GP had sent the ToR via email with the last minutes to all members and read out the additional point 2x at the meeting. DP proposed that the amendment should be accepted. There was no show of disapproval at the meeting or in response to the e-mail version, therefore the updated version is now agreed.
GP to add the amendment to the public online version

4. Creative Communities
CC will cover 6 local authorities across the valleys.
£3.5m project, plus other funds drawn down from other funds when up and running.
14 Development Officers.
Community Radio developed strategically across the region
KJ Updated the group:
Following discussions with WEFO some targets in the bid have changed. Most notably less “organisations helped” but more “jobs created”, though in practice, through the nature of the sector more organisations will be helped than is stated in the bid to be able to reach the “jobs created” target.
Progress has been made on the £250,000 match funding needed for CC from Communities First
“Culture” has been added as the 7th theme to the demonstrations project of the “Outcomes Fund”, following recommendations from Leighton Andrews. This theme will have links to the other 6.
Some match may be available from the Gwanwyn (over 50s) Festival in May
Approval expected by the end of October / beginning of November.
The project should begin next year, with people in post by January or February, with an initial three year programme.
KL explained that he is aware of other possible bids from Merthyr for the “Outcomes” strand.
KJ clarified that he has spoken to Communities First and even though only one bid into the pot would be accepted from each authority, because CC cover 6 authorities this rule would not apply and would not be seen as a Merthyr bid.
AH Asked for ACMF to be kept up to date and suggested an ACMF subgroup to help direct projects.

5. Public Art Strategy
GP reminded the group that Safle (the new company, merged from Public Art Wales and CBAT) have been commissioned to produce a Heads of the Valleys Public Art Strategy. The finished version has been delayed due to staff turn around at Safle and the chief officer responsible changing. The finished document should be complete soon.

As part of HoVs support for the emerging strategy the region a proposal has been submitted for £500,000 to spend on public art by March 2009. This breaks down for Merthyr into the following strands:
£25k - Community Empowerment Public Art Project, designed to introduce community members into the nature of public art, building up their appreciation and understanding. The project will work with a group from the community to help chose and deliver a public art work along the Trevithick Trail as it passes through the Town Centre
£25k - A Memorial Public Art Project to enhance the transport interchange (train station’s bus stop and taxi rank area)
£20k – Designer Crafts Public Art Project, working with crafts people who don’t usually work on a public art scale. E.G. Applied artists, Jewellery makers, furniture makers, broadening the audience for such artists work.
These initiatives are being rolled out across the region, together with the HoV PA Strategy and a HoV PA Map which covers the whole area.

AL Suggested closer links to York and the Steam Engine Museum. Possibly looking into the possibility of organising the recreated version of Trevithick’s Engine, from Swansea upto York to raise awareness of the Trevithick Trail and other associated locations.
DP Reminded the group that Cornwall was another link via Trevithick.
KJ Pointed out that there would be a Cultural Tourism strand to CC which may be able to contribute to a future project.
AL also suggested opening up Trevithick’s Tunnel
LeD Suggested a possible link with young people, briefly outlining a project he is currently working on with young people and Merthyr heritage.
CL suggested that we begin to revisit the Thought Sheet process and start recording these ideas and begin the process of exploring their possibilities. This process has been useful in helping to inform and direct H4A and for the PA, Lighting and Marquee acquisitions
Agenda Thought Sheets for next meeting

6. Hong Kong Alley
GP updated the group that Town & Park Communities First are leading on a mural project, to paint artwork on the vandalised alley-way between Glamorgan Gates and Nat West Bank. At present Nat West have declined offers for the proposal (their fear seems to be based on the concept that further vandalism will continue but with a focus on anti-Nat West graffiti). Town & Park CF are proceeding with a bid to SRF, concentrating on the Glamorgan Gates side only, hoping that NW will change their mind after seeing the finished designs and a further project can look at the NW side in the future. Workshops will be carried out through young people at the Info Shop and with Glamorgan Gates. The planned artists are the Mobile Arts Project, which has a great deal of experience in the field, working with schools and community projects across south Wales for a number of years.

7. Town Centre Lantern Parade/Cymanfa Ganu
GP reported that he has been involved with a Lantern Procession idea, lead by Town and Park Communities First and Mener Iaith on Wednesday, 3rd December.
The plan is to congregate at Fountain Lower High Street to start, then carol singing with schools (Ysgol Santes Tudful, Caedraw and St Mary’s) and family with Dowlais Male Voice Choir (yet to be confirmed). Then a procession with Welsh Pipers leading to WH Smith. Carol singing with schools and family with Dowlais Male Voice Choir (yet to be confirmed). will continue with a procession with Welsh Pipers leading to Soar Chapel, where there will be a traditional Gymanfa Ganu (Singing Festival) from, where there will be carol singing & Key note speakers. Children will be learning between four and six different carols, half in English, half in Welsh.
Michelle Powell is currently liaising with the community artist around the delivery of the Lantern Making Workshops.
This idea was seen as very positive by the group, who suggested contacting Town Centre Manager, Rhian Prosser to see how this would fit into a Craft or Traditional type market. GP explained that Rhian has been consulted and is supportive but the Lantern procession doesn’t align itself to anything in the Town Centre this year at least but there could be great opportunities for the future.
AH explained that this should tap into the Town Centre Plan.
GP to discuss further possibilities with Town Centre manager.

8. Creative Industries
CL outlined the Creative Industries project, which is a project being built up across the south Wales valleys region, taking a strategic approach to developing the more commercial side of the creative and cultural industries, which while in a state of growth and increasing strength, are still far behind that of English regions. RCT are taking the lead on this development.
DP questioned whether this Creative Industries project was linked to the Creative Industries Hub at WAG?
CL explained that there was no direct link, the two just share a similar title. The discussion moved towards the need for premises and support for small creative businesses. CL explained that the Orbit Centre may be able to provide that but that the units there are very much at a premium and many of the emerging creative businesses would probably need to start elsewhere. It may be that we need to look at the work begun with Taste of Enterprise and take that to phase 2? Arts venues and the Old Town Hall were discussed as possible creative business units etc. CL suggested that this would be another good proposition to record and pursue through the Thought Sheet process.

As projects many of the suggestions made today are major tasks and would need dedicated staff time. CL suggested organising an Ideas Meeting, possibly establishing a working subgroup.
GP/AH organise a date for a subgroup meeting to pursue some of the suggestions made today.
Also Thought Sheets to be on next meeting’s Agenda.

9. Arts Connect
GP informed the group about Arts Connect, which is designed to develop a strategic approach for local authorities to arts services across the south Wales valleys and Monmouthshire. The project has consulted with a number of different partners (ACW, Menter Iaith, Yo! Maz etc) and representatives within the various local authorities, including arts offices, venue managers, practitioners etc.

10. Soar Hall
Lis wasn’t able to make today’s meeting but can update the group at the next ACM Forum.

11. H4A
GP relayed Kate Strudwick’s update: Lantern making workshops for session leaders are about to begin. The lantern-making workshops are a very inclusive and effective way of adding value to local celebrations. At their simplest they could be used to enhance existing events (local carol services, Halloween parties etc) but could also inspire community lantern parades.
The finished lanterns are very attractive but also very durable and easy enough to be made by small children.
GP to forward H4A info together with the minutes

12 AOB
3Gs Media and Arts Centre
LeD informed the group of the latest development at 3Gs, with their Media/Arts Centre, which will be situated in the basement of Bishop Hedley High School. The facilities will be available for all. The project is run by a Management Steering Group as a Community Social Enterprise.

Xmas Lights
AL informed the group that the search is on for a volunteer to switch on the Xmas lights.

13. Next meeting:
TBC (Please see top right of page for meeting dates)