South Ayrshire Council arranged a series of "drop in sessions" in mid-March 2011 to consult on the proposals for a new multifaceted Arts and Sports facility in Girvan.
The event has been reported in the Carrick Gazette dated 23rd March 2011. The paper included an artist's impression of the new building in their reports. A summary of the press reports are available by following this LINK
It would appear that the consultation was not publicised effectively and relatively few members of the public attended. (All members of the Ayrshire Arts Network were advised of the event by email and we carried all available information on our web site from 15th March.)
The press
The consultation programme and specific topics for each day was as follows:
Friday 18th March 2011.................10.00am–3.30pm
(Arts Workshop..................................12.30–1.30pm)
Saturday19th March 2011............10.30am–1.30pm(
Sports Workshop..............................12.30–1.30pm)
Tuesday 22nd March - Young People...7.00-8.00pm
All sessions were held at the Carrick Buildings Learning Centre in Girvan
South Ayrshire are seeking responses to their document "The Arts in South Ayrshire: A Way Forward".
This document has been widely circulated to groups and individuals in South Ayrshire.
A series of workshops during the Spring of 2008, and subsequent discussions, both within the council and with a small number of local cultural groups, resulted in a report from the council's consultants but no real progress towards establishing a framework of support for the Arts. The report identified a series of key themes and investment priorities but there was little progress in the implementation of these proposals.
In a recent document, widely circulated to individuals and cultural groups, the council stated that they wish "to pursue a future strategy for the arts that makes the best possible use of the resources of the Council to secure investment, involvement and impact. The Council is committed to working with other organisations and individuals to support and invest in the arts."
It is proposed that a South Ayrshire Arts Partnership be established to bring together key partners, connect arts developments with other plans in education, regeneration and community and to oversee planning an progress.
The suggested priorities for the partnership are:
creating a strategic framework for the arts in South Ayrshire;
creating sustainable venues for the arts;
increasing professional arts development capacity;
connecting with young people;
developing the role of partner organisations.
An online copy of the questionnaire is available for completion and submission no later than 30th April, 2010.