PLANS are moving forward to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC) for Dorset County Council’s arts services to increase access to funding streams.

At a meeting of Dorset County Council’s cabinet, members were told a proposal was being developed to restructure the council’s arts services and refurbish the Little Keep in Dorchester as a base for the CIC and hub for arts organisations.

Cllr Peter Finney said: “It’s a good move because it’s an indication of how the arts can get external funding without being associated with the county council and it gives them a way of moving forward.”

A further report with more details on the proposals is now being prepared and will be presented to the cabinet at its meeting in September.