Art at the De la warr

The questioner says: "I note from the minutes of a recent Bexhill Town Forum that the council has no control over the arts programme at the De La Warr Pavilion.

"Does this mean the council chooses not to express its views on the arts programme?

"Certainly members of the public should advise the Pavilion what they think of art exhibits, both positive and negative, but the council, as a contributor of 500,000 annually to the Pavilion, should also make its views known.

"Dare I ask you and the cabinet to comment on art at the Pavilion so far?"

The leader says: "It is indeed true that the council does not have formal control over the arts programme put on by the Charitable Trust that now manages the De La Warr Pavilion.

"The current 500,000 a year contribution was towards the refurbishment plan which secured the extra 6.2 million from English Heritage and Arts Council England.

"Councillors, who represent the local residents, will obviously have their own views about the various forms of art that are exhibited or performed.

"However, the council as a body does not have a formal view but does recognise the need for the Charitable Trust to continue to attract significant sums of money to support the sustainable future of the Pavilion.

"The council has two places on the Board of Trustees where the interests of Rother District Council and local residents are taken into consideration.

"The following is a comment from Alan Haydon, director of the De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust: "Since reopening a year ago, half a million people have visited the Pavilion, 72% of whom visit the galleries and we are particularly pleased to see more young people and families engaging with the exhibitions and the associated education programme.

"We do endeavour to offer a range of contemporary exhibitions across the year in order that specific interests can be catered for. The feedback from the vast majority of people has been very positive."