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9.1.1
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The
committee considered a report seeking approval to grant
International Documentary Festival Sheffield (DocFest) with a total of £100,000 per year to
be expended over a 3 year term to
support the delivery of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 DocFest events in Sheffield, the detail of which
will be agreed and signed by way of a grant agreement.
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9.1.2
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Members
asked questions about sustainable travel options for delegates
attending the festival and Annabel Grundy, Managing Director of
DocFest explained that once in
Sheffield, the venues were located such that delegates were able to
walk between them.
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9.1.3
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Members
noted that this was a three year funding
agreement and asked how they would be updated on the progress of
the event achieving sustainability. It was noted that the
three year agreement tied in with other
funding streams and the ability to leverage against these. Three
years would help the event to be ambitious and diversify its
sources of funding and they were very grateful for the
commitment. An extensive annual report
was available and there were regular touchpoints to note progress.
It was agreed that a report would be brought to the committee after
the next DocFest had taken
place.
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9.1.4
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It was
highlighted that a key focus for the future was the community
impact of the event, to make sure that local people felt involved
and to link up with other Yorkshire based events that had community
outreach functions. Monthly screenings were available at the
Showcase Cinema and local growth was another important
objective.
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9.1.5
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It was
acknowledged that sustainable funding for SCC’s events
programme was needed and officers were working on
this.
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9.2
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RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:
That the Economic Development and
Skills Policy Committee:-
a) Awards a 3-year
grant to DocFest for the sum of
£100K a year for 3 years to support the delivery of
DocFest in Sheffield in 2024, 2025 and
2026; and,
b) Notes that the
funding will be drawn from the Strategic Major Events
Fund
c)
Requests an annual report be submitted to the committee following
DocFest 2024
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9.3
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Reasons for Decision
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9.3.1
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Providing a three-year
grant agreement ensures stability and certainty for Sheffield
DocFest and the Council whilst
DocFest continue to grow. It ensures
that the new senior team at DocFest are
in a position to plan ahead and develop the Festival. The grant supports DocFest in being able to lever more external
funding from national bodies to ensure its long-term viability. It
also ensures Sheffield continues to benefit from the economic
impact the Festival delivers to our
various organisations and businesses (including vulnerable sectors
such as hospitality). The timing of DocFest 2024 in June provides a fantastic platform
to showcase the regeneration and developments in the city centre to
this diverse and ‘out of town’ audience. The Council
will be able to review its position in 2026.
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9.4
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Alternatives Considered and
Rejected
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9.4.1
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Providing no grant for Sheffield DocFest would likely result in the permanent
withdrawal of DocFest from Sheffield or
a significant reduction in the quality and breadth of the
Festival, risking its international
reputation, community outreach and/or future relocation to an
alternative city. This would result in the approximate
£2,000,000 delegate spend per year being lost, and would also
have the effect of reducing the city’s profile and reputation
within the creative community inside and outside of
Sheffield.
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