LOCAL people will have the chance to talk about future plans for the arts at a public meeting next week.

Malvern Hills District Council says the meeting will give residents and interested parties a say in how its arts policies are developed.

The meeting is on Tuesday, October 12, from 6.30pm to 8pm at Priory Lodge Hall, Priory Road.

The council has been working with consultants TMPL, with support from Arts Council England, to produce a draft plan for the arts.

When the plan has been finalised, the council will recruit its first-ever arts development officer to implement it.

Other proposed steps include compiling a directory of artists and arts organisations, increasing marketing of the arts, encouraging business support for the arts and creating an arts grant scheme.

Many of these moves will be made in collaboration with other bodies, such as parish and county councils, the Arts Council and schools and colleges.

Copies of the draft plan will be made available on the night. Council officers and Debbie Kingsley and Peter Cox, of TMPL, will also be on hand to answer questions and note down comments.

Coun Clive Smith said: "This is an excellent opportunity for residents to have a direct impact on the future of the arts in the district.

"This plan will shape the future of the arts in Malvern Hills in the coming years so it's important that we hear your views, so that we can cater for the needs of all our residents."

Autumn in Malvern Festival organiser Peter Smith said: "The crucial element is that whoever is appointed as arts officer must have a proven track record of gaining access to Arts Council funding, because the Arts Council places enormous hurdles in an applicant's way."

Worcestershire's county arts officer Steve Boffey agreed that fundraising abilities were an essential skill for an arts officer.