South Kesteven considers future of district’s arts venues

South Kesteven District Council may place its arts venues under new management following an independent review into costs.

The Sports, Leisure and Culture Consultancy (SLC) found Grantham’s Guildhall Art Centre, Stamford Arts Centre and Bourne Corn Exchange “run near to breaking even or at a deficit”.

The three venues are currently administered by the council, which spent more than £1.7m on arts and cultural services in the 2019/20 financial year.

SLC’s review recommended passing management to a trust that could attract charitable funding, as well as a staffing restructure and changes to the venues' opening hours.

Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew said any changes would be to preserve Lincolnshire’s local arts scene.

“Against a background of increasing pressure on public finances and further financial challenges to come, this review has identified potential savings and new ways of operating.”