REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER.. 05305188 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1119555 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Bedford Creative Arts Limited Bedford Heights Brickhill Drive Bedford MK417PH BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page Chairfs Reporl Report of the Trustees (including Directors report) 2to15 Independent Examiner's Report 16 Statement of Financial Activrties 17 Balance Sheet 18 Notes to the Financial Statements 19to30 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CHAIR'S REPORT Welcome to the Annual Report and Accounts for Bedford Crealive Arts for the year April 2023 - March 2024. We have had a fanlaslic year, beginning the first year of our new Business Plan 23-26 which launches new programme themes for our work alongside exciting strategic developmenl projects that support Bedfordshire's creative ecology. It was also the first year of our current period of National Portfolio Organisation slalus with Arts Council England, who will provide welcome strategic investment for our artistic programme and organisation until 2027. Across the yeaf we delivered 16 creative prc4ects reaching audiences physically and digitally of 19,248 working with 47 creatives. Our new programme themes of River. Innovation Heritage and Migralion have been simultaneously brought alive through a period of partnership developmenl, research & development projects. consultation events and community engagement. This has enabled us to seek funding throughout the year to initiate programmes that work to serve our local communities whilst continually growing our artist￿ ambitions and pushing boundaries in our work. Key highlights include providing Bedford's first ever augmented-reality art through Digital Art Murals, animating street art with games that tell stories of Bedford's innovation heritage in unusual and creative ways. We worked with LegalAliens to bring theatre opportunities to Bedford for local refugee and asylum seeker performers and we began collaborating with The Higgins Bedford and local employer FujiFilm to set-up a Community Portrait project- telling the story of Bedford's pasl. present and a possible future in the wodd of photography through the eyes of our community. We pushed forward with our work lo support Ihe local creative ecology by co-founding Pride of Place (POP) with local creative producer and artist Talia Giles as a mechanism for utilising empty retail space for art exhibitions and creative workspace. This included her very successful POP Bedford pop-up creative space attracting over 5,000 visitors alongside exhibiting opportunities in 5 vacant retail premises. We also re-designed our Producer Hub programme with 1 Degree East. focusing our menloring on support for 10 local creativ8 producers and self- producing artists through a series of 1-2-1s, webinars and seminars. I'm delighled that our work has been recognised by Ihe Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, leading to two slaff members being invited to Buckingham Palace for a Summer Garden Party. We continued to feature regularly in local press and have been nominated through the Chamber of Commerce and Bedford Independent's Everyday Hero Awards for awards that recognise our role in supporting our local communities through artistic works. We received a record number of corporate commissions as a benefit of increased exposure. being commissioned by Bedford Borough Council, the University of Bedfordshire's Aspire Higher team, Speakers for Schools, Grand Union Living and Verve Developments Limited to enable creative projects thal enhance local people's lives and spaces as well as supporting the development of skills and knowledge for children & young people. I'd like to give my thanks for our key funders and partners vtho continue to enable and encourage our work, especially Arts Council England, The Harpur Trust, Verve Developments Limited, 1 Degree Easl, Bedford Borough Council, Aspire Higher. FujiFilm, The Wixamtree Trust and The Gale Family Trust. I'd like to thank our hard-working staff, including our new fixed-tenn Projects Assistant who has become an amazing asset and the temporary staff who have helped us deliver fixed-lerm project support and malernity cover for core team members. You have all achieved wonderful things. I hope that you enjoy reading about Bedford Creative Arts. activities in our Trustees. Report for the year ended 31 March 2024. Samantha Maitland Chair 17 October 2024 Page 1 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of the Companies Acl 2006. present their report with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopled the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and reporting by Charilies, applicable to charities preparing their accounls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) issued in October 2019 by the Charily Commission. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Name Bedford Creative Arts Limited Registered Company number 05305188 (England and Wales) Registered Charity number 1119555 Registered office Bedford Heights Brickhill Drive Bedford MK417PH Trustees Richard Sobey Paul Messam Samantha Matthews Resigned 01 July 2023 Resigned 08 February 2024 Appointed as Interim Chair 13 April 2023 Resigned as Interim Chair 08 February 2024 Resigned 2 August 2024 Suzetle Reed Mark Taylor Timothy Pain Anita Kumari Samantha Maitland Appointed 13 April 2023 Appointed 13 April 2023, Appointed as Chair 08 February 2024 Appointed 12 October 2023 Appointed 25 April 2024 Appointed 25 April 2024 Fiona Parry Jennie Cashman Wilson Samuel Baker Director Elaine Midgley Independent Examiner KM Hilliard ACA FCCA CTA Price Bailey LLP 36 Tyndall Court Commerce Road Lynchwood Pelerborough PE2 6LR Bankers HSBC 12 Allhallows Bedford MK40 ILJ Page 2 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMrrED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charilable company is controlled by its governing document, the Memorandum and Articles, and constitutes a limited company. limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Recruilment and appointment of new trustees Bedford Creative Arts Limited has a policy for the recruitment and induction of trustees who may serve for up to two terms of three years. New trustees are appointed in accordance with the Articles of Bedford Creative Arts Limited. They are found from the conlacts and networks of existing trustees and the executive. Vacancies are also publicised through our website, social media and through other public forums. When recruiling new trustees, the Board looks for individuals with skills and experience which are of value to the charity and complement those of existing trustees. Potential trustees are interviewed by a panel oftrustees and the Director. When a new trusteejoins the Board, they are provided with a "Trustee Induclion Pack-, which provides comprehensive information about Bedford Creative Arts Limited. They attend induction meetings with the Director and Chair as well as receiving additional training when required. In 2023-24 we launched a recruitment campaign for new trustees and appointed Jennie Cashman-wilson and Samuel Baker at the end of the year to replace skills from retiring Board members. The Board said goodbye to long-setving Irustee Richard Sobey who resigned as Chair after completing I￿0 three-year terms. Vice-chair. Samantha Matthews held the position of Interim Chair whilst discussions were held about Richard's successor. The Board opted to recruit a new Chair ofTruslees from within the existing membership and voted to elect Samanlha Maitland to the role of Chair from February 2024. Organisational structure The Board and Executive have an agreed Business Plan that arliculates the strategic direction of the organisation over 3 years and includes organisalion-wide objectives, financial and income slralegy, audience development aims. organisalional structure proposals. commitments to equality, diversity and the environment and programme ambitions. This strategy aligns the govemance expectations of Arts Council England for National Portfolio Organisations. Day-to-day delivery of the Business Plan is delegated to the Director and staff team. Unusual or significant decisions are made by the Board of Trustees on recommendalions from the Director. The Chair and Vice-chair meet with the Director monthly lo review progress. Sub committees of the Board meet at least ￿lce per annum to review detailed aspects of strategy including income generation, equality & diversity and programme development. The Board also have assigned champions to meet with the Direclor and staff to discuss and challenge other areas of the business including HRJstaff. environment, marketing. risk. and finance (a Treasurer). Risk management The Board of Trustees, with the Director and the staff team. keep organisational risk under review and mitigate risk with a range of measures in¢luding= insurance, planning. performance monitoring, policies and procedures. The organisation holds a Corporate Risk Regisler for the monitoring of strategic risk which is reviewed quarterly. Programmes are mainly run with funding secured in advance to ensure that any income risk is well managed. Residual risk is assessed and infonns the Reserves Policy, which includes financial and non-financial risks. To meet contractual and legal obligations and deliver operational objectives, the Board agrees the broad annual programme. plans and budgel, and monitors performance during the year. The Trustees have identified the following to be the key risks to the organisation along with the miligaling aclions to be undertaken-. Page 3 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Risk Mitigating Action Funding of the Organisation Bedford Creative Arts Limited will continue to develop the programme in a way that diversifies ils income from a range of funders including ils core client Arts Council England, trusts & foundations, statutory funders and earned income from commissions. Projects are operated on a full-¢ost recovèry basis to cover overheads and staffing not covered by regular funding. Arts Council funding is secure until March 2027. Close monitoring of reserves by Ihe Board and a clear Rese￿eS Policy helps to build investment potenlial with targets for building reserves for key purposes. The Board have appointed a Treasurer (Irustee rolel to support the Executive in managing funds including close cost control. The Business Plan incorporates an Income Generation Strate for continual securin of funds. Bedford Creative Arts Limited will aim to invest in its staff and consider succession planning and resilience in its policies and processes including a Business Continuity Plan. We offer an appropriate level of salary and flexible working arrangements. Salaries are benchmarked across the sector and staff receive above statutory minimum annual leave entitlements. Annual training budgets provide continual CPD. Role design considers succession planning and legacy. Documentation of processes and projects are based on Prince2 principles and enable smooth transition between staff for successful handoverlteam working. Clear recruitment processes and a recruitment policy ensures quality replacements when required. Loss of Key Staff Safeguarding and Health & Safety The organisation has 8 Safeguarding Policy and highly experienced, well-trained staff. Using advice from other local experts including the CVS, Bedford Borough Council and Board members in highly skilled professions such as the education sector, the policy incorporates safer recruitment pro￿sseS for slaff. volunteers, trustees and contractors. Training and DBS checking is repeated every 3 years at a minimum. The Director, as well as the Company and Projects Manager have Institution of Occupations Safety and Health IIOSH) Managing Safely qualifications and experience of HSE guidance, risk assessment and control. All activities are risk assessed and appropriate mitigaling actions are incorporated in line wth the organisalion's Health & Safe Polic The organisation has no office premises and staff V￿rk from home or in remote locations in the community With limited supervision. BCA holds a Remote Working Policy that guides slaff in safe working practises which includes regular daily contact wilh team members to ensure their location & safety is known. The Board issue a twice annual Staff Wellbein Surve that enables staff to Staff wellbeing & management of remote working Page 4 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMrrED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 satisfaction. The Board and Executive discuss results in order to implement additional measures to support staff. The Board & SMT continue to monitor staff performance through fortnightly 1-2-1s and a I￿lCe annual Performance Review system. Employee Assistance Programme is provided for staff thal enables private access to GP appoinlments and health advice and slandards for good organisation procedures are documented in a health & Wellbeing Policy. Two staff members are MHFA Mental Health First Aid Irained. Remuneration The charitable company operates a remuneration policy vh)ereby salaries for all directly employed staff are benchmarked against salary levels in the sector on an annual basis and any increases are calculated to account for the financial performance of the organisation. The average employee headcount during the financial year was six and the average number of employees (full-time equivalent) was four. No employees eamed in excess of £60.000 and the lotal remuneration paid to the key management personnel during the year was £102,167. During the period the trustees received no remuneration. Page S BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Charltable Objectlves and Actlvltles for the Public Benefit Bedford Creative Arts Limited is a contemporary arts charty. We run a programme of artistic commissions and cultural education projecls. events and workshops that aim to provide creative opportunities for diverse audiences both locally and further afield, and to provide new creative opportunities for artists. Our Charitable Objective is to advance the education of the public in creativity and the arts within the Borough of Bedford, the county, the wider region and over lime more broadly across the UK by: Offering people the opportunity to develop skills, confidence and knowledge. 2. Using the arts as a tool to improve social welfare and people's quality of life by responding to those needs identified through contact with local community groups and other agencies. Actively engaging people who are excluded from mainstream provision of arts education for reasons of disability. social, cultural or economic circumstance {by seeking to make activities physically, intellectually, 50cially. culturally and financially accessible). 4. Enabling everyone to exercise the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community and to enjoy the arts and its benefits. Promoting. improving, advancing and providing access to current developments in contemporary arts practice. through a programme of lemporary exhibitions and educational and recreational aGtivities. Bedford Creative Arts Limited has referred to the guidance in the Charily Commission's general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing its aims and objectives and planning its fulure activities. In particular. the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set for the organisation. thus ensuring public benefit Gontinues to be delivered. Each year the Board of Trustees review and update the Business Plan including reviewing the organisation's Vision. Mission and Foundations statements to ensure they reflect our current approach in delivering on our Charilable Objectives.. Ourvision: is that future communities will have an outrageous sense of entitlement lo the arts because of its power to provoke positive social change. Our Foundations: We believe that art is essential for a full life as it enger)ders self-expression, confidence. connectedness and a sense of belonging. It builds strong and resilient communities.. il empowers individuals. Where there are challenges in communities. whether social, educational, environmental or economic. the arts have the intrinsic power to provoke and facilitate change. The arts can provide a platform for a diversity of voices to be heard. Through engagement wilh the arts, people can explore, express, connect. learn, share,debate and challenge, often in innovative and ambitious ways. We want all communities to have acce5S to Ihe arts so that they can do Ihese things and become active citizens with us to work towards better. stronger communities. We see a community as a neighbourhood or as a group of people with a common characteristic or shared experience. We recognise that neighbourhoods are home to many communities and each of us is a member of several communities. We work predominantly in Bedfordshire but strive for our activities and leaming to make a national impact on the sectors where we work and the world in which we live. Our Mission.. We create art for, wilh and inspired by comrnunities. People - Put people at the heart of our work, working responsively and collaboratively with communities. Page 6 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Place Support place-making, shaping and enriching by helping communities to have a sense of identity, belonging, agency and pride in where they live. Power - Enhance the power of communilies to provoke change. champion social and environmental justice, and strive for a just and equilable society. Possibility - Seek to ask questions and have conversations that challenge the status quo, support meaningful debate an(1 enable radical ideas to be explored. Practice - Use socially engaged artistic practice to develop knowledge, skills and tools that can be shared and used nalionally. Our Strategic Aims for this period have been developed jointly by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Team through a process of collaborative discussions. The aims of the organisation until March 2024 were: Enable an ambitious. high-qualily place-shaping artistic programme that has a positive impact on local people and Bedfordshire's national reputation. Develop active citizenship through arts and culture. Develop and support local creative talent in our fields of work. Ensure our work is resilient. sustainable and accountable. Raise the national profile of our work and broaden our provoking influence on peer5, policy- makers. individuals and communities. We are fleet of fool and work peripatetically. exploring genuine artistic collaborations and new ways of awakening and developing talent and fostering wellbeing with an array of new and long-standing stakeholders and partners.. arts and non-arts agencies and charities; local authorities- funders- educational institutions.. associate curators and producers: and regional. national and international artists, experienced in socially engaged practi￿. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES The key activities we deliver to achieve our aims are= 1. Artistic Commissions We commission artists to develop contemporary art projects in a wde range of genres across Bedfordshire in response to our Business Plan aims and community needs. The theoretical framework for our work is based on socially-engaged practice-. we believe great art can enhance and transform people's lives. We aim to innovate, to produce original, imaginative, extraordinary, adventurous and often provocative art works and encounters in every day and unconventional locations. We aspire to create art that is critically re¢ognised by our peers and has an impact on the sector on a regional and national scale. We work with diverse communities. specialising in encouraging new participants and building audiences where there is often a history of low cultural engagement. This includes working deeply within neighbourhoods to engage with local people in addressing the issues that matter to them andlor working with specific and targeted groups such as in schools and in deprived wards such as Queen's Park, Kempston and Kingsbrook & Cauldwell. Our commissions and ne￿hbourhood work are informed by 'listening projects,. These projects involve sending our staff into the community to listen and understarKI their social needs and consider opportunities for our work to respond to them. Page 7 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2. Ecology, Practise, Knowledge & Talent Development Bedford Crealive Arts works to build the creative economy in Bedfordshire and to nurture and grow crealive talent by supporting artists, curators and producers both localty and beyond. We do this by: Providing mentoring and practical support to artists and producers within our programme and commissions. particularly through our Producer Hub programme delivered in partnership with 1 Degree East: Participating in opportunities to 'listen" to the ccfflmunities we serve such as partnering with peers in the community sector including community groups. local authorities and schools; Supporting local producers and self-producing artists in the delivery of their own projects where a partnership with an established charity can make the most differen￿S, such as supporting Quilla Constance with her exhibition Teasing Out Contingencies in 23-24. Nurturing, attending and developing local collaborative networks thal help to build up the creative economy and ecology such as the Bedford Cultural Partnership and Central Bedfordshire Culture Hub {co-founded by Bedford Crealive Arts). Supporting the Creative Bedfordshire network by hosting an online plattomi enabling loGal creatives to connect. network and share induding programming Creative Exchange network events and training activities. We provide mentoring and support to the artists and freelancers engaged in the delivery of our work, bul particularly seek to reach those with limited opportunity. especially in the Bedfordshire area. We target opportunities to work with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and to enable people to have a long-term relationship with Bedford Creative Arts over a number of years through interventions such as opportunities for work, mentoring, brokerage of partnerships, promotion of their work and advice on funding. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE- A REVIEW OF THE YEAR Projecl Delivery Across the year we reached audiences of 11,248 alongside estimated audiences for our free, open access work of 8,000 (total 19,248). We were proud to have been able to support the employment of many freelance artists and Contractors during this challenging time by providing work for 47 artists and creative freelancers during the year as well as a wider team of prqect managers and support staff. Key successes in the year included: Take Part Queen's Park - This longitudinal project finally ended this year since its inception in 2019. Originally proposed as a neighbourhood level action-research project. the project encountered a number of challenges such as Covid-19 and Ihe tragic death of an artist during delivery. However. Ihe outcomes across the period have been excellent- ranging from schools-based visual arts activity, a film, an exhibition, a street mural. theatre perfomiances and community feasl events. The final project delivery in 2023 included being commissioned by the project's community steering group to paint the walls of a meeting room in a local community centre with child participants and then to celebrate the project's culmination wilh a feast. theatre show and screening of the project film, 'Archipelago'. The project's overall successes included: Audience reach 7,422 lof which 2,151 were local active participants) 51 individual creative activities 20 freelance creatives employed 10 committed resident Ambassadors Overall feedback was ovenNhelmingly positive= Page 8 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 °The resources provided were bnlliant. The children were all engage(f - Teacher. .1 wish this was here when i first moved here. It would have helped my mental health and allowed me nol to feel so alone." Queen's Park Resident. "We really wanted to say thank you for accommodating the needs of the local community and we feel like the work of Bedford Creative Arts has been very beneficial for the local community and the local children.. Resident and Ambassadors Group Member. .1 had a very special time with the community beGause I made real friendships and because the project was quite long I had the chance lo actually have a meaningful relationship with the community [. .] it's the community I worked with. it's the groups I worked wilh, thal absolutely shaped the project and the exhibition. Caroline Wendling, Lead Artist We published our evaluation report and the project's independent Social Impact Study written by Roger Morfey on our website - providing an insight into the benefrts of crealive art projects on a communily. Digital Art Murals and The Vault - In the prior year. we painled murals on Bedford's High Street that reflected aspects of Bedford's heritage. One referenced Bedford's former bank, the Barnard Bank, and hinted at the idea of a lost bank vault underneath the ground. The other reflected Bedford's aviation heritage through both airship and airplane innovation. In 2023. with funding through Bedford's High Street Herilago Action Zone as well as funding from Bedford Borough Council's Town Centre Priority Fund, ARA and Bedford BID. we worked wilh digital artists Clemence Debaig and David Thatcher to create augmented-reality games within the murals. allowing users lo scan a QR code that enabled them to interact with the 2D murals. The Vault Game is a game that enables users to lake a High Streel quiz which unlocks an augmenled-reality vault to see the treasures benealh. Re-lmagine the Sky and Cardington Sheds enable users to fly airships and planes on their mobile phones whilst reading fun facts about the story's heritage. The project reached 619 people after its inception in Autumn 2023: °Il was fun and I liked looking around Bedford. I found the secTrt treasure." Child Player. "It was wonderful to find this lovely mural on the floor and find out the history. I never knew there was a bank here. So, it was r8ally good and r8ally great fun to do the game and maka me notice more bils of the town." Adult player. "When it comes to making history into games it's quite smart because. the current generation, they focus mor& on games than actually leaming. so rf you put it into a game then they ￿11 leam while also enjoying themselves"_ Teenage Player. POP ART - We collaborated with local artist and creative producer Talia Giles on establishing Pride of Place (POP). The aim of POP is to utilise empty retail space for art exhibitions and creative pop-ups. BCA negotiated the use of 5 empty retail units in Bedford lown centre. using all of them for a rolling programming of arl exhibitions called POP ART. Local artists were invited to apply to exhibit their work in the space, enabling artists to be showcased who otherwise might not secure gallery recognition. Talia collaborated with BCA on using one space for POP Bedford, a pop-up creative space. hosting exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies and live events over 6 weeks in Summer 2023. POP BEDFORD attracted 5,107 visilors during its run with the POP ART exhibitions attracting 3.000 viewers. Exhibiting arlists included 50 /0 early career artists of which 75°/o were those identifying as having a long-tem) health condition, disability or neurodiversity suggesting il provided strong accessibility for people from those backgrounds. °Getting my work out locally in Bedford. 11 really opened-up my eyes to what was happening locally within tho arts. I then went on to have a stall at the art and flea market and I have made so many local connections arpd sold more work since. I would have not been able to do any of this if I hadn t gotten involved wilh the POP AR T pmject. It Ghanged a lot for mel"_ Exhibiting artist °Such an inspiring and motivating space. The people, the design...the community- a real credit to Bedfordl-_ POP BEDFORD Visitor Page 9 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 "Honestly, this needs to be a permaneni fixture in Bedford. I haven't seen anything that s broughl the community together so much. It makes me proud to be in Bedford"_ POP BEDFORD Visitor. Culture Clubs - We were commissioned by Aspire Higher (part of the University of Bedfordshire) to pilot a series of Culture Clubs across three Bedfordshire schools with the aim of seeing if we could influence and widen their views on crealive careers. We partnered with Goldinglon Academy, Mark Rutherford Schi)ol and SEND school Oak Bank (supported by Speakers for Schools) in the delivery of a series of workshops in each school. Students were inviled to attend regular sessions with an arts practitioner to deliver a creative project and to understand the different roles behind making creative activity. The Clubs were delivered in the Summerterm 2023. Goldington Acadomy delivered a "zine" supported by poet Anthea Davis-Barclay and illustrator Kalie Allen, whereas Oak Bank and Mark Rutherford delivered a film. working with Future Legend Media and Junior Filmmakers respectively. Key learning outcomes included- The project inspired students to help them lo feel happy and proud through creative activity. If they are already slightly inclined to consider further education the project appeared to increase their resolve to want lo go on to further education and universily and help students to feel more confident in that decision. However, conversely, students who were unsure about creative subjects or further education and maybe do not enjoy creative subjects became more resolved not to follow a creative pathway. Student postcode was not necessarily an indicalor of their likelihood to consider further education, however their general encouragement and support in all settings (home and school) had a polentially strong influence. Community Portrait - We were delighted to be sponsored by local employer. FujiFilm, to create a prqecl Ihat marked their 40th anniversary of being located in Bedford. We began our journey working with local community groups and education settings to capture -community portraits- using the latest FujiFilm technology. Collaborating with local photographers such as Chiara Maccall, Catherine O'Donnell and Amina Pagliari, we documented portraits of school children and their families, Bedford College students. Romanian groups, Ukrainian groups and celebrations of women. Some groups were invited lo utilise FujiFilm's London House of Photography studios, enabling participants lo learn skills about photography as well as to build a collection of portraits to use in a forthcoming exhibition in 2024. The proiecl received welcome supporl from local funder The Wixamtree Trusl and is being developed to include consideration of both the heritage and future of photography in Bedford. Migration Research and Development- We developed our leaming about Bedford's migrant communities through partnerships with two organisations on "listening projects-. We supported a local producer from WordSetFree and artist Radhika Aggarwal in their project Tastes Like Home. This project will deliver an audio trail along Bedford's High Street in 2024 that provides stories of the many foods and recipes that are fondly remembered and shared by Bedford's diverse immigrant communities. We supported the delivery of workshops and recording sessions to idenltfy and record stories. We also invited LegalAliens from London, a migrant theatre company, to meet Bedford refugees and asylum seekers and introduce the idea of theatre as a form of expression for those new to the medium. The result is the development of a new theatre show. Tugging at the Sea. Ihat is being developed in both London and Bedford as a means lo explore the feelings of migrants on political narratives around boats: -using a fragmented narralive, physical theatre. songs and direct teslimonies, Tugging At The Sea asks audiences to examine the propaganda against asylum seekers. Thanks to a collaboration with visual artisl Bern O Donoghue. the stago will be covered in paper boats, as a celebration of shared humanity." LegalAliens. Page 10 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Riverl Flowl Connect consultation - We established new partnerships with organisations in Bedford that are connected to the river and focused our exploration of this theme on the community of Kempston, where the river is currently under-used. We set up a steering group including ward councillors, town councillors, Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterways Trust, The Wildlife Trusl and some residents lo begin to shape this new project that aims to re-engage local residents wilh the river on their doorstep through art. We held a boal trip and a ¢cfflmunity picnic event. securing a range of views that were strongly encouraging of this new project.. 78 /0 of respondents felt that area of the river was neglected & overlooked. 89 % said they would like to see permanent artistic structures along the river 78 % had never engaged in a BCA activity before. External Commissions We grew our delivery of small commissions for local organisations and businesses this year, responding to approaches from Grand Union Housing for their Chamomile Gardens development-delivering visual art workshops for new residents that enable them to meet new people- Verve Developments Limited commissioned athork fortheir premises by artist Larry Jackaman made from recycled aluminium cans created by Ljsers of their Bedford Heights building.. Pine Cones Family Hub who ornmissioned us to work with family hub usefs and Livingstone School lo painl storage sheds at their site; and the Kingsbrook & Cauldwell Big Local who commissioned us to deliver a visual art programme in Kings Oak Primary School. Championing Diversity & Inclusion Bedford Creative Arts IBCA) remains committed to celebrating diversity and inclusion through our work and ensuring equality of opportunity for both audiences and artists. BCA uses an Equality & Diversity Action Plan alongside its company policy on Equality. Equity. Diversity & Inclusion to ensure that il continues to deliver its commitment to its values. Particular activity that supported diversity and inclusion this year included: We undertook Equality Impact Assessments of all our key elemenls of project delivery which led to investment in a new tool for our updated websile Ihal creates better accessibility for users, adapting the website according to their specific needs. We provided an opportunity for a younger person to become Chair of the Board of trustees by providing a programme of training, mentoring and peer-support from the Vice-chair. We targeted community engagement work at protected characteristics al risk of exclusion including those on low incomes (e.g. people living in Kingsbrook & Cauldwell wards which are in the 10Q/o mosl deprived in the UK) and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (such as through work with Oak Bank School). We engaged artists from a diverse range of backgrounds induding 25 % of our artists from Global Majorily ethnic backgrounds. We included people from under-represented backgrounds in our work such as delivering work that engaged migrant performers (Tugging at the Sea) and placing a spotlight on people from different nalionalities {Tasles Like Home). We provided key support to a mixed-race artisl, Quilla Constance, in the exhibiting of her work in Teasing Out Contingencies at The Higgins Bedford. includin9 two symposium opportunities for Quilla lo discuss the equality and equity themes in her work. We developed our relationships with community organisations Ihat engage with under-represented voices such as the organisars of Refugee Week (BRASS), Queen's Park Community Organisation, and PBIC. Creatlve Ecology Development We have continued lo invest in local and speualist talent across a range of artforms and praclises through our projects and ongoing support networks and used this engagement lo develop our own knowledge and skills. Page11 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (including directors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Particular achievements in the year indude- Our Producer Hub, delivered with 1 Degree East. grew from an open mentoring programme to a focused fasl-track activity aimed at nurturing 10 Socal pr(Klucers and self-producing artists to develop their own creative projects for Bedfordshire. The groups includes people across a range of artistic disciplines and nationalilies, and is focused on both 1-2-1 meetings and group seminars as well as continuing to deliver open webinar programmes providing kno￿edge for any local creatives. Creative Exchange is our programme of free, open networking events that provide our Producer Hub mentees with opportunities to showcase their project ideas as well as enabling networking for all local creatives and reaching around 20 people per session. Bedford-based artist. Quilla Constance. supported by BCA in 2020 with her Tale Exchange programme. was invited to exhibit her project Teasing out Contingencies in The Higgins Bedford over 6 months. The exhibition utilised members of the public and everyday objects, projected against a fantastical version of Buckingham Pala￿. lo ask questions about what it is to be British exploring class and race. It vtss accompanied by cellollive art performances, talks and a symposium event. Local poet. Anthea Davis-Barclay secured her first Arts Council Project Grant and begun development on an arl exhibrtion and poetry anthology working wilh local school children and artists, entilled The River Project. Our Director continued to Chair the Bedford Cultural Partnership. a network of local cultural providers which collaborated to produce a draft Cultural Vision for Bedford Borough. The documenl, which referen￿S intensive public consultation. is due to launch in 2024. We continued our attendance in olher local strategic nelworks including the SEMLEP Creative & Cullural Steering Group, Bedford Music Hub and the Central Bedfordshire Culture Hub including inputting into research by the University of Bedfordshire consultancy work for a cultural strategy in Central Bedfordshire. We continued as members of the High Street Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme group for Bedford. including forming part of the commissioning panel for a programme of curtural events celebrating Bedford's high street heritage with funding from Historic England which came to an end in March 2024. We hosted the Creative Bedfordshire network site (via a Six Circles piatfomi). posting news and articles for the creative community and growing membership to 304 members by Ihe end of the year. We continued to represent the lown's cultural viewpoint on the Town Deal Board, fomied by the Bedford Borough Council lo oversee the investment plan for funding from central government. Organisational Development & Change The organisalion experienced some changes to personnel in the year through natural turnover. Our Digital Marketing Officer resigned early in the year to pursue a career in arts producing and we elecled to work with a marketing consultant, Digital Era. on company marketing. We are delighted to have retained operational funding from The Harpur Trust which has enabled us to secure the role of Projecls Assistant for a further 2 years. Our Company & Projects Manager went on maternity leave in November 2023 and was covered by a fixed term postholder during this time. The charity continues to operate remotely wth staff working from home on desk-work and in the community on artistic deSivery. Page 12 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES {including direclors report) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy The Reserves Policy aims to maintain reserves at the minimum level required to manage risk, support organisational resilience and enable investment in development. This is managed Ihrough the use of named designated funds identified for specific purpose5. This supports strategic financial management and accountabilily. Targets for designated funds are set following an assessment of the operational financial commitment and associated residual financial risk rf income is unexpectedly terminated. The reserves policy is reviewed at least annually by the Board of Trustees and designated funds reviewed quarterly with Ihe preparation of financial management accounts and prqections. The charity's emergency designated fund will ensure that the charity has the ability to manage unforeseen events that affect ils financial health and not to fall below the level that would put the charity at risk of demise. or breach of the law or its obligalions. The Trustees have set a Designaled Emergency Wind- Up Fund with a minimum target of three months, expenditure {currently calculated to be £60,000}. In addition, other funds are designated to allow the charity to invest to create new opportunilies and to manage growth with a further target of £60.000 across these funds {approximately 6 months, core running costs). Summary of Designated Funds and their purposes: Designaled Emergency Wind-up Fund with a minimum larget of three months. expenditure {currently calculated to be £60.000) lo be used should the company be required to wind-up in a legally responsible manner. Designated Capital Fund maintained to enable the purchase and mainlenance of capital equipmenl such as PCS & laptops for staff and office equipment to use at home, if required as well as technical equipment for use across projects such as projectors and exhibiting stands. Designated Programme Development Fund to enable investment in our programme so that we may increase our ambition and develop new projecls & programmes with matched-funding support that could lever in additional funding. This enables research and development projects to be initialed enabling long- term programme planning. Designated People & Organisation Fund - to enable investment in organisational development and to manage staffing related risk. This can include resourcing changes to staff structure, the need to invest strategically in staff training & development. or to manage unforeseen temporary staffing issues such as unexpected absences of leave or parental and sick leave cover. Any general funds that are not designated for the above purpose will be reviewed wilh a plan to invest these funds in a manner thal supports the delivery of the charity's objects within 12 months of operalion. The Irustees agreed that this was a prudent approach and would ensure the future growth and development of Bedford Creative Arls was financially sustainable. The Board has agreed that funds will only be held in low-risk UK bank accounts as approved by the Board of Trustees. The trustees also agreed that the charitable company will continuously strive to deliver its charitable objectives as cost effectively as possible whilst ensuring it is able to continue to meel its liabilities as they fall due. Page 13 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Prlncipal funding sources: BCA Limited received income of £306,824 (2023.. £239.684) in the year, of which £150,368 {2023'. £82,786) represented restricted funding, relating to the Queen's Park Projecl Fund (£5,000), Creative Bedfordshire1£850), University of Bedfordshire Culture Clubs (£12,500), Digital Murals Fund {£9,700), News, News, News {£2,500}. Can Art1£4.750), Empty Shops Fund (£12,275). Our Natural Blue Spaces {previously Make Way for Culture Fund)1£4.750), Big Local Fund (£7,581), Chamomile Gardens Fund {£3.0001. Project Assistant Fund1£10,919). Project Assistant 23-25 Fund (£25,000), Community Portrait Fund (£26,000), Family Hubs Mural Fund (£3,550). RiverlFlowlConnect Fund {£9.980), Anthea Barclay River Project Fund {£1.250) and Windrush fund {£1.255). Expenditure in the year totalled £244,475 (2023.. £279,765) of which £94,805 (2023.. £119.928) related to the restricted project funding. BCA'S biggest investment source is Arts Council England through our designation as on8 of its National Portfolio Organisations. We also received signtficant funding from various funding bodies, trusts and foundations that have helped us to deliver our wide-ranging programme including: The Harpur Trust, Steel Charitable Trust (for future programme). Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, The Community Voluntary Service Bedford, The University of Bedfordshire, Bedford Players Trust, The Wixamlree Trust. Fuji Film Limited and Verve Developments Limited. Funds available The funds held al 31 March 2024 are £193.546. This includes unrestricted funds of £122,574, which equates to approximately seven months, expenditure and is in line with the reserves policy. Within the unrestricted funds, the trustees have designated the following separate funds: Designated Emergency Wind-up Fund.. £60,037 (2023: £60,037) Designated Capital Fund= £10.00012023.. £5.0001 Designated Programme Development Fund.. £20.000 (2023: £20,000) Designated People & Organisalion Fund: £25,000 (2023- £20,000) The trustees are confident that the charitable company can continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future and that the accounts should be prepared on a going concem basis. Related Parties BCA leased a store from Verve Developments Limited for £nil in the year ended 31 March 2024 (31 March 2023.. £nil). BCA also hired a number of meeting rooms at Bedford Heights which is owned by Verve Developments Limited. Ihese were hired out al a £nil cosl lo BCA. Verve Developments Limited is a related party due to Timothy Pain being a director of the company and truslee for Bedford Creative Arts Ltd. If payable, the commercial rent on the store would have totalled £1.932 for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: £1.650). The commercial cost of hiring the meeting rooms would have cost BCA £3,606 {2023.' £5,523). This has been received as a gift in kind from Verve Developments Limited for both financial years. The total gift in kind for the year ended 31 March 2024 of £5.538 (2023: £7,173) has been recognised in the accounts as a Donation from Verve Developments Limited to 8CA with a corresponding cost. FUTURE PLANS A few projects from the 2023-24 programme will continue into the 2024-25 financial year. POP Art- We Continue to hold restricted funds to maintain ¢)ur programme of art exhibitions in empty retail spaces and hold leases for properties in Bedford town centre for this use. Page 14 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Community Portrait we have an exhibition programmed at The Higgins Bedford launching 28th September 2024 and lasting for 5 months to exhibit the VK)rk from our community portrait programme delivered throughout 23-24. The exhibition will also incorporate new work to be developed with Artificial Intelligence technology in order to display the work of Bedford's past, present and future in photography. Tugglng at the Sea - After a successful period of research and development with refugees and asylum seekers Connected to local charity PICB. Legal Aliens are continuing workshops in Bedford in 23-24 to inform the development of their theatre performance. The perfomiance will be performed in London's Jackson Lane Theatre in July 2024 and at The Pla￿ Bedford in September 2024 with plans to continue to develop performance opportunrties for local migrants into 2025. Our programme for 2024-25: River/ Flow/ Connect - We have secured funding from the Ashley Family Foundation and the National Lottery Community Fund to work with the neighbourhood of Kempston on using art as a tool for re-engaging them with the riverbank on their doorstep. Our Natural Blue Spaces (formally Make Way for Culture) - Ihis project commissioned and funded by Central Bedfordshire Council will engage an artist with local school children to explore blue spaces {rivers, ponds. lakes. canals) in their local area and design an illustrated map of their surroundings. The map will signpost a Charter to encourage local residencies to conserve their natural blue spaces whilst leaching students creative visual art skills. Book of Bedford-working again with Arts Council funded artists Andy Field and Beckie Darlington we will engage 250 school children across Bedford in writing a new guidebook of the town for adult audiences. Part imaginalion and fiction and part real guidebook this project invites adults to see the town through the eyes of its youngest inhabilanls. Virtual Airships - working with digital creative technologists from Hyperactive Developments Ltd we will explore how mixed reality technologies can enable artworks and historic artefacts that Commemorate Bedford's associalion with the airship lo be brought together for global audiences. Our programme of al leasl 10 commissions and activities is outlined in the organisation's Programme Plan and aligned to funding from Arts Council England and a range of trusts. foundations. local authorities and private businesses. In preparing this report, the trustees have laken advantage of the small companies. exemptions provided by section 415a of the Companies Acl 2006. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: (J Y•Lou Samantha Maitland Chair 17 October 2024 Page 15 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS UA41TED INDEPENDEvf EXAMINERS REPORT I iopwl io ¢*ofly IA￿1•￿ on my exwnh*iiwJ d Ihc •Lrwil& ol tho fc¥ Ihe yow •ndod 31 Marth ￿24 sol on pwi 17 to JD. ReSPMslbillt•o¥ Ind baih ol r•port 4 th• clioTIty IfUSt••$ ol thè o)rrwny lar￿ &)kn lof PWPOr.￿ of 14w) >ou r•6wnstt)'.L. lor pr*r*￿4￿n ol lh• v&h tho rcwremcnts ol tht C4mkwM¢x A 20D6 {'Ih• 6alisfiod mystll th•1 ih¢ •¢u%￿ts of Ih or• n)1 roqvk•d 19 t• Oudft¢d ur•d•r Part 16 cl th• 20￿ qir• ob4Uè for IrrtlLI)vndeThi ey4rnintltri. I rwrt In res￿￿ ol rny 0x￿1￿11￿n of nfvlTV'* ne£ourrtÈ 05 carrwxl ￿ undèr 145 ol me Cthani￿& Aa 2011 (Ih 2011 /*f). In ttlrtying old ftij •xAmln*kn I h•v¢ Il* gkon by th?rhy undor se¢UDn 145(5Kbl ol IkbL' ¥J11 Ind¢pgThltrnt gX•Min•rt stat•m¢ Sin¢X Iht L*mpany'5 fJroÈs In¢omo QSO,OW youi oamincir musl ￿. a (Th>m￿r ol 4 Istr*O body Iljiod kn soclion 145 ol tPM) 2011 lici. I c NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 121,504 122.574 70,972 192,476 129,354 193,546 131.197 70,972 NET ASSETS 122.574 70,972 193,546 131,197 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 13 122.574 115,788 70.972 15,409 TOTAL FUNDS 193,546 131,197 The company is entitled to exemption from audit under SedK)n 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audil of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance wlh Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for (a) ensuring that the company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the stste of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of ils surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Se¢lions 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply wth the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relaling lo small companies and wlh the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounling and reporting by Charities.. Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities prepanng their accounts in accordance wth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) leffective 1 January 20191 issued in October 2019 by the Charity Commission: The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 17 October 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: Samantha Mailland Chair The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements Page 18 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 COMPANY INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES Company Information The company is a private company limited by guarantee and is registered in England and Wales. Registered company 05305188 Registered charity number 1119555 Registered Office.. Bedford Heights Brickhill Drive Bedford MK41 7PH Basis of preparing the financial statements The trustees believe that the charitable cotnpany can operate for a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. The charity continues to be supported by the funding from the Arts Council and other income streams and as such consider it appropriate to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis. Accounting convention The financial statements have been prepared under Ihe historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019 {FRS1021 and section la of FRS102. The presentation currency used in the accounts is pounds sterling. The charitable company is a public benefit enlily. Cash flow statement The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Charities SORP issued in October 2019 {FRS1021 from including a cash flow statement in the financial slatemenls on the grounds thal the charitable company is small. Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activtties when the charitable company is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Voluntary Income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Income is only deferred when the donor specifies that the granl or donation musl only be used in future accounting periods or the donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charitable company has unconditional entitlement. Government Grants Grants, including government grants. are accounted for under the accruals model as permitted by FRS102. Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the same period as the related expendilure. Resources expended Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to Ihe category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. The pension costs charged against income represent the amount of contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period. Costs charged to a restricted fund relate to the activities undertaken lo further the specrfic charitable purposes the fund was established to support. These costs include both direct and support cos15 associated with the activities undertaken by the restricted funds. Support costs are allocated based on agreed allowances from funders. Expenditure attributable lo the restricted fund may still be charged to it even if there is an insufficient balance on that fund at the time. However. expenditure should only be charged lo a restricted fund in deficit when there is a realistic expectation that future income will be received to cover the shortfall, for example when a decision has been made to invite donations to that restri¢ted fund. Page 19 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1. COMPANY INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued Operating Leases: the charitable company as lessee Rentals under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straighl-line basis over the lease tem. Tangible fixed assels The company's threshold for capitalisation is £200. Expenditure below this value. on items that may be considered fixed assets. is written off to revenue account as the trustees consider that the administration cost of Capilalisalion outweighs any benefit to the user of these accounts. Fixed Assets wth a value in excess of £200 are depreciated over their anlicipaled useful life of 3 years. Taxation The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. Deflned Contribution Penslon The company operates a defined contribution plan fcff its empk)yees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payment obligalions. The contributions are recognised as an expense in the Statement of Financial Activities when they fall due. Amounts that are not paid are shown in creditors as a liability in the Balance Sheet. The assels of the plan are held separately from the Company in an independently administered funds. Debtors Trade debtors, prepayments and other deblors are valued at the amount paid in respect of future accounting periods. Cash at bank and in hand Cash al bank and in hand include cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of Ihree months or less from the date of acquisilion or openings of the deposit or similar account. Creditors Trade creditors, accruals and other Creditors are recognised when Ihere is an obligation at the year-end as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement and the amount of settlement can be estimated reliably. Financial Instruments The company only enters into basic financial instrumenl transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and rxeditors. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives al the discretion of the trustees. Wrthin the Unrestricted funds the trustees designate separate funds. which consist of monies set aside by the trustees out of general funds to be spent on the specific programmes and events identified after the year end. These funds have no specific restriclions other than the trustees have set aside these monies out of general funds to SUPFlOrt the specific programmes and events identified by the charitable company. Transfers are made to and from designaled funds to general funds on the basis of the trustees, estimate of future expenditure on the specific events and programmes. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the chafilable company. Restriclions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Provision is made in Ihe majority of restricled funding streams for management and administration costs. These costs are borne within unrestricted funds and then an appropriate transfer is made in accordance wilh the funding agreement. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to Ihe financial statements. Page 20 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED 2. DONATIONS 31.3.24 Total Unrestricted Restricted 31.3.23 Total Unrestricled Restricted Grants Individual Donations Verve Developments Ltd 146,385 25 5,538 146.385 25 5,538 146,385 310 7,173 146.385 610 7,173 300 151.948 151,948 153,868 300 154,168 The Grant of £146,385 is from Arts Council England. Bedford Creative Arts Limited is one of the National Portfolio Organisations which receive unrestricted funding to support the running of the charitable company. 3. INVESTMENT INCOME 31.3.24 31.3.23 Bank account interest 4,157 903 Page 21 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMrrED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED 4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 31.3.24 Total Unrestricted Restricted 31.3.23 Total Unrestricted Restrlcted Bedford Borough Council Central Bedfordshire Council The Gale Family Trust Royal Opera House Bridge BPHA (Bedford Pilgrims Housing Association} The Harpur Trust The University of Bedfordshire 1 Degree East Bedford & Luton Community Foundation National Heritage Fund Queens Park Community Organisation Ball Beverage Packaging Limited Access Spa Network Ashley Family Foundation Bedford Players Trust The Wixamlree Trust Legacy of Windrush Descendents Community Voluntary Service - Bedford Grand Union Housing Group Steel Charilable Trust Fuji Film Limited Verve Developments Limited Other income 13,975 13,975 617 29,586 30,203 5.175 3.250 6,000 5,175 3,250 6.000 6,810 6,810 250 250 50.428 6,500 50,428 6.500 355 3,450 3,805 305 305 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 32.005 32,005 3,885 3,885 4,000 4,000 850 850 9,980 8,700 6,000 1,255 9,980 8.700 6,000 1.255 7,580 7,580 3.000 15,000 5,000 4,750 1,275 3,000 15.000 5,000 4,750 351 351 150,368 150.719 2,127 82,486 84,613 Page 22 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMrrED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED 5. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE 31.3.24 Total Unrestricted Restricted 31.3.23 Total Unrestricted Restricted Charitable activities Salary related costs Temporary staff and consultancy costs Insurance Artistic Programme Office cost and admin Staff Training Recruitmenl Independent examiner's fees Accountancy, payroll and HR support costs Governance costs and Trustees. expenses Bank fees and Companies House fees Depreciation of tangible fixed assels 102,255 45,857 148,112 116.620 42,619 159,239 2,190 2,190 1,538 21,570 1,538 48,980 70,550 1,473 17,849 1,473 95,158 77.309 14,269 {321 14.237 14,656 14,656 1.959 330 1,512 1,959 330 1,512 3,176 354 1,440 3,176 354 1,440 2.224 2,224 2,278 2,278 337 337 218 218 173 173 167 167 1,313 1.313 1.606 1,606 149,670 94,805 244.475 159,837 119,928 279.765 6. NET INCOMINGI{OUTGOING) RESOURCES Net resources are stated after charging: 31.3.24 31.3.23 Depreciation - owned assets Operating Leases - property Independent examiner's fees 1,313 1.606 1,512 1,440 7. TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS None of the Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 or for the year ended 31 March 2023. There were trustee expenses totalling £nil paid during the year (2023 - £nil)- The total number of trustees vtho claimed travel expenses during the year was O {2023- 0). Page 23 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED 8. STAFF COSTS 31.3.24 31.3.23 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension contributions 136,282 7,797 4,033 146.646 8.393 4,200 148,112 159,239 The average number of full time equivalent employees during the year was 412023- 4). The average head count of employees during the year was 6 (2023- 6). No employees received emolumenls exceeding £60.000 per annum (2023: none) The remuneration of key management personnel during the year amounts to £102.167 {2023.' £97,853.) 9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Computer Equipment Fixtures & Fittings and Equipment Total COST At 1 April 2023 Additions Disposals 8.495 540 682 9.177 540 At 31 March 2024 9,035 682 9,717 DECPRECIATION At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Disposals 6,812 1,207 522 106 7,334 1,313 Al 31 March 2024 8,019 628 8.647 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 1,016 1,070 At 31 March 2023 1,683 160 1,843 10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trade debtors Other debtors 21.692 2,458 2,673 2.673 24,150 Page 24 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED 11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trade creditors Other creditors 7,730 5.256 10,888 25,981 12.986 36,869 12. PENSION COMMITMENTS The charitable company operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assels of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charitable company to the fund and amounted £4,033 {31 March 2023.. £4,200). Contributions tolalling £nil (31 March 2023: £nil) were payable to the fund at the reporting date and are included in other creditors. Page 25 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED 13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Incoming Resources Resources Expended Net movement in funds Transfers between funds At 1.4.23 At 31.3.24 Unrestrlcted funds General fund Designated funds 10,751 105,037 1 $6,456 (149,670) 6.786 (10,000) 10,000 7,537 115.037 122,574 156,456 (149,670) 6.786 115,788 Restricted funds Queens Park Project Fund Culture Challenge Service Fund Our Natural Blue Spaces Fund {previously Make Way for Culture Fund) Project Assistant Fund Creative Bedfordshire Fund Empty Shops Fund News, News. News, Fund Ghost Signs Fund The Vault Fund Can Arts Fund Big Local Fund Chamomile Gardens Fund Community Portrait Fund Digital Murals Fund Family Hub Mural Fund Project Assistant 23-25 Fund RiverlFlowlConnec l Fund University of Bedfordshire Culture Clubs Fund Anthea Barclay River Project Fund Windrush Fund 363 5.000 15,363) (363) {7,676) 9.510 {1,834) 7,676 18,393 4,750 (1,020) 3,730 22,123 (9.500) 10,919 (1.419 9,500 170 850 (884) {341 136 2,000 690 12,274 2,500 (7,593) 13,190) 4,681 (6901 6,681 10,891 78 207 (78) (4,750) (7.580} (3,000) 207 (78) (11,098) 4,750 7,580 3.000 26,000 (4,926 21,074 21.074 9,700 (18,643) (8,943) 11,098 2,155 3,550 {1,144) 2,406 2,406 25,000 (21,131) 3,869 3,869 9,980 (1.007) 8,973 8,973 12,500 (9,500) 3.000 3,000 1,250 (1,250) 1,255 1700) 555 555 15.409 150,368 (94.805) 55,563 70,972 TOTAL FUNDS 131,197 306.824 244.475 62,349 193,546 Transfers between funds is a reallocation of Ghost Signs funding to the new Digital Murals Fund. The work carried out under Digital Murals is a continuation from Ghost Signs and so it was deemed appropriate to transfer the funds. Page 26 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED 13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - Continued Designated Funds Designated funds are as foll0v￿= 31.3.24 31.3.23 Emergency Wind Up Fund Capital Equipment & Renovation Fund Programme Development Fund People & Organisation Fund 60,037 10,000 20,000 25,000 60.037 5.000 20,000 20,000 115,037 105,037 The designated funds, as described in the trustee report on page 13, consist of monies set aside by thetrustees out of general funds to be spent on the specific programmes. contingencies and events identified after the year end. These funds have no specific restrictions other than the trustees have set aside these monies out of general funds to support the specific activities identified by the charitable company. Transfers from Restricted Funds Provision is made in the majority of restricted funding streams for management and administration costs. These costs are borne within unrestricted funds and then an appropriate transfer is made in accordance with the funding agreement on an annual basis. Purpose of Restricted Funds Queen's Park Project Fund: This fund contains grant funding to enable a programme of creative activity culminaling in 2023 entitled Take Part Queen's Park Ihat supported community cohesion and wellbeing in the Queen's Park ward of Bedford. 11 includes funds for artistic programming. marketing. social impact evaluation and community engagement activities supported by Ihe Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Harpur Trust. BPHA and Bedford Borough Council. The project has now ended and funds depleted. Culture Challenge Service Fund.. The Culture Challenge (TCC) aimed to increase the number of young people accessing. enjoying and making great art and culture by acling as a broker between the education sector (predominantly schools) and the cultural sector. It was funded by The Harpur Trusl and Central Bedfordshire Council. Funding supported the maintenance of a directory of Servi￿ providers. CPD events for educators and cultural providers. The programme has now ended and the fund depleted. Our Natural Blue Spaces (previously Make Way for Culture Fund).. this is a consultancy project funded by Central Bedfordshire Council to support cultural education activity in the locality. Funding has been used to support a programme of CPD and prqect delivery working with three schools, the libraries and the music setvice. At the requesl of the client the project was re-designed after Covid-19 and re-launched under a new litle of Our Natural Blue Spaces. Funding is being held to deliver a programme in 24-25 of workshops in four Central Bedfordshire schools that develop an illustrated map and charter for protection of local blue spaces (waterways. rivers, canals elc). Project Assistanl Fund.. This consists of a grant from The Harpur Trust to enable the employment of a fixed- term salary post of Projects Assistant in the organisalion. r￿ed until March 2023. The position supported the delivery of projects including marketing, administration and practical event delivery. Funds were depleted in the year covering the final salary payments and on-costs. Creative Bedfordshire Fund- The fund consists of fees paid by Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council lo cover the cost of the Creative Bedfordshire online platform. Funds pay for Sixcircles to provide the platform infrastructure and hosting services. The platfomi has monthly costs. Empty Shops Fund.. Funding obtained from Bedford Borough Council's Town Centre Priority Fund and The Gale Family Trust is being held to enable the organisation to deliver a programme of art exhibitions in empty shop unils in Bedford town centre known as POP ART. The programme will continue into 24-25. Page 27 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED News, News. News Fund.. Funds were secured from Central Bedfordshire Council and the Whilbred PLC Chairman's Fund (via Beds & Luton Community Foundation) for the delivery of this project enabling school children in a Leighton Buzzard school lo create news reports and exhibit them to adults in a theatre show. Funds were spent on artist fees and marketing for the execution of this project inGluding production of a teacher's Resource Pack finalised in Autumn 2023. Ghost Signs Fund= These funds consist of grants from the Bedford Borough Council's Town Centre priority Fund and sponsorship from BedfordBID to enable the painting of a series of murals in the style of"Ghost Signs" in Bedford's town centre that celebrate Bedford's aviation history. Funds were expended on artist fees. equipment hire and materials to deliver the signs. Remaining funds were transferred to the Digital Murals Fund to enable delivery of augmented reality additions to the project. The Vautt Fund.. This fund consists of a fee from Bedford Borough Council to pay for repairs to the mural originally painted for the High St Heritage Action Zone project in 2021 to creale a 3D anamorphic mural depicting an old bank vault on Bedford's High Street. Funds were expended on artist fees, accommodation, eqLsipment, materials and stewarding to support the re-painting of the design. Can Art Fund.. This fund consists of a fee paid by Verve Developments Ltd for the commissioning of an artwork for Iheir Bedford Heights premises. Funds were expended on artist fees. workshops and materials for the creation & installation of the artwork al their offices and were expended in the year. Big Local Fund.. This fund consists of a fee paid by the Kingsbrook & Cauldwell Big Local (via the Bedford CVS) for the delivery of community workshops programmes and a festival. The Big Local elected to cancel the Festival and the fee was refunded to Ihem. save for funds that had been spent on initial delivery of workshops (artist fees and materials) with families at Kings Oak Primary School to create mosaics. Chamomile Gardens Fund.. This fund conslsts of a fee paid by Grand Union Housing for delivery of a privale commission for residents in their new sheltered housing complex. Funds were spent on artist fees, materials and expenses to enable delivery of a series of visual art workshops for senior residents and depleted in the year. Community Portrait Fund.. This fund consists of sponsorship income from Fujtfilm. a grant from The Wixamtree Trust and the Steel Charitable Trust for the delivery of a sOr￿S of photography workshops that took F)Ortraits of people from the community. Funds were spent on photographer fees. travel to studios, and artist expenses for execution of the workshops. The remaining funds are being held to enable furlher workshops and delivery of an exhibilion at The Higgins Bedford in Autumn 2024. Digital Murals Fund.. These funds consist of the remainder of the Ghosl Signs fund (see above) and additional funding from the High St Heritage Action Zone (delivered via the Bedford Players Trust) and sponsorship from ARA to enable delivery of augmented reality games tethered to murals previously painted on Bedford High Street. Funds were spent on technologists and artists to design the game, marketing and promotion and a launch event lo promote the project. Remaining funds carried forward into 24-25 are held to enable continual promotion of the game in publicity and any mural or technical repairs. Family Hub Mural Fund.. Funds consist of a fee paid by Bedford Borough Council for the delivery of two murals on storage sheds al their Pine Cones Family Hub site. Funds were spenl on artist fees to deliver the project wilh the remainder carried forward into 24-25 for full execution of the project including workshop delivery with families to design the murals. artist accommodation. travel and fees and materials. Project Assistant 23-25 Fund.. These funds consist of a grant from The Harpur Trust to enable BCA to relain the fixed-term position of Projects Assistant for a further two years from 2023 - 2025. The funds will be spenl on a postholder who will provide project administration. marketing and workshop delivery assistan￿ across BCA'S full range of projects. River/FlowlConneGt Fund This fund consists of a grant from the Ashley Family Foundation to delivery a programme of creative assemblies in len schools in the Kempston and Queen's Park area of Bedford lo initiate this new river-themed programme. The assemblies will engage local children and their families in inputting into the design of (xeative hubs along the river and exploring how art can support river engagemenl. Funds will be spent on artist fees. work paGk materials and events to celebrate the river. The project wll continue into 24-25. Page 28 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED University of Bedfordshire Culture Clubs Fund.. These fijnds consist of a fee from the University of Bedfordshire's Aspire Higher team and a grant from the Royal Opera House Bridge for the delivery of a Culture Clubs pilot in three local schools. Funds were spent on artist fees and expenses, student refreshments and venue use for the execution of the project. Funds were carried forward for supporting the University's Arts & Culture team to deliver evaluation and analysis of data in 24-25 to inform partnership working with the Bedford Cultural Partnership. Anlhea Barclay River Projec1= Funds consist of a grant from the Gale Family Trust awarded to Anthea Barclay for the delivery of her The River Project poetry anthology and exhibition. BCA are a mentor and partner on Ihe project, assisting Anthea Barclay in the delivery of her firsl Arts Council funded activity. Funds were spent on artists fees and materials for the execution of the project and passed to Anthea for distribution. Windrush Fund: This consists of a fee awarded by the Legacy of Windrush Descendants {LOWD) to support their delivery of a resource pack showcasing Bedford residents and Windrush descendants that can be used by communities and schi)ols for educational purposes. Fees have been spent on marketing time in the design of a resource pack with the remainder of fees being held for 24-25 and such time that LOWD are ready to continue with the project which has been paused due to a lack of capacity wthin LOWD. 14. CAPITAL The charitable company has no share capital. The liability of members is limited by guarantee and does not exceed £1 per member. 15. RELATED PARTIES BCA leased a store from Verve Developments Limited for £nil in the year ended 31 March 2024 {31 March 2023.. £nil). BCA also hired meeting rooms at Bedford Heights which is owned by Verve Developments Limited, these were hired out at a £nil cost to BCA. Verve Developments Limited is a related party due to Timothy Pain being a director of Verve Developments Limited and a trustee for Bedford Creative Arts Ltd. If payable, the commercial rent on the store would have lotalled £1,932 for the year ended 31 March 202412023- £1,650). The commercial cost of hiring the meeling rooms would have cost BCA £3.60612023.' £5,523). This has been received as a gift in kind from Verve Developments Limited for both financial years. The total gift in kind for the year ended 31 March 2024 of £5,53812023'. £7,173) this has been recognised in the accounts as a Donation from Verve Developments Limited to BCA wth a corresponding cost. 16. OPERATING LEASE There are currently no operating leases held by Bedford Creative Art5 Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024 and the year ended 31 March 2023. Page 29 BEDFORD CREATIVE ARTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTINUED PRIOR YEAR NET ASSETS BY FUND 31.3.23 Total Funds Notes Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 1.843 1,843 CURRENT ASSETS Amounts owed within one year Cash at bank and in hand 10 2,458 21,692 24,150 115,466 26,607 142,073 117.924 48.299 166.223 CURRENT LIABILITIES Amounts falling due within one year {3.979) (32,890) {36,869} NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 113,945 15,409 129,354 115,788 15,409 131,197 NET ASSETS 115.788 15.409 131.197 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 13 115.788 15.409 TOTAL FUNDS 131,197 Page 30