Members of the public have until Monday 16 January 2017 to complete an online survey that will help determine the future provision of arts within Dumfries.
People are being asked for their views on what an arts centre in Dumfries should offer in future years. The results of the survey will help our Council decide later in 2017 what provision is needed for a modern arts centre in the town and whether that location is Gracefields Arts centre or a new location closer to the town centre.
In February this year, Dumfries and Galloway Council considered a report on the Dumfries Asset Plan, which aims to reduce the number and cost of buildings held by the Council in Dumfries. However, contrary to media reports at the time there has been no decision on the future of Gracefields Arts Centre and no requirement for savings based on closing or relocation Gracefield Arts Centre.
The aim of the review is to ensure that an arts centre is based in the correct location and provides the services and facilities needed in the future.
The survey asks people which of the services Gracefield currently has to offer are the most important to them, and what changes might attract them to visit an arts centre in Dumfries more often.
Chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, Councillor Tom McAughtrie said;
“The options appraisal on future options for arts provision in Dumfries ensures that all options can be considered when it comes to improving services and facilities.
Although there is a wider review aimed at reducing the number and cost of buildings held by the Council in Dumfries, the savings identified for that review are based on other buildings not Gracefield. However, it may be that as part of this wider review a new, better location may be identified for Gracefields if it is deemed beneficial to move it nearer the town centre. The aim however is very much to improve the services and facilities we have.
Gracefield attracts around 34,000 visits per year and is a significant visitor attraction as well as a popular venue for community arts activity. We would therefore like as many users, visitors and members of the public as possible to fill in the survey so that their views can inform the decisions we make.”
Following consultation with the public, users and other stakeholders, a number of options will be presented to Council Members in 2017 in order to get agreement on the way forward.
If it is agreed that major changes are to be made, it is likely to take a number of years before they are fully realised.
The survey can be completed in a number of ways:
• Online at www.dumgal.gov.uk/consultations
• By booking a 30 minute slot at Gracefield Arts Centre to fill the form online with a member of staff (call 01387 262084 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm to book your slot)
• Hard copy questionnaires are available at Gracefield Arts Centre and at local DG Customer Service Centres
