Agenda item

Head of Culture and Visitor Strategy to be heard.

a)    Presentation: Update of the Cultural and Visitor Development Director

Members received a presentation of the Cultural and Visitor Development Director with respect to measures taken by the Cultural and Visitor Development team in response to the impact of the COVID-19. It was noted that the team had taken this time to catch-up on certain tasks, such as staff development and mentoring, programme planning for next year, and developing a retail strategy. The team focused on amplifying new content and programmes through platforms, such as Google Arts and Culture, #virtuallylondon, #londonisopen, #visitthecityfromhome, and Because I’m a Londoner. Engagement focused on working to retain and develop new audiences who previously would not have engaged with cultural offerings. Support was being offered both internally to staff, and externally to partners, including signposting to aid for cultural and tourism SMEs, webinars for stakeholders, and staff training. It was noted that the recovery phase was now a priority, underpinned by a Tourism Recovery Plan. This included assessing revenue options at the City Information Centre, and data-collection research. These initiatives were complemented by a number of themes including Women, Diversity, Green Planet and Local Audiences.

It was further noted that the Culture and Visitor Development team was working closely with the Department for the Built Environment to explore possibilities for outdoor seating in the Guildhall Yard, keeping in consideration social distancing, rubbish bins, cleaning and hygiene.

With respect to public toilets, it was noted that there were fewer toilets available in the Community Toilet Scheme, as restaurants and pubs were only available for bookings. Officers were working to identify available toilets and to have this information available online and at the City Information Centre.

RESOLVED, that – the presentation be received and its contents noted.

b)    Presentation: Our City Together

Members received a presentation with respect to Our City Together – a platform launched on 18 May 2020 in response to challenges raised by COVID-19, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. The initiative showcased the best of content from across the City through a mix of arts, culture and history. The initiative used themes such as kindness, mental health, LGBTQ+, and architecture, using content from a number of City institutions such as the London Metropolitan Archives and the Museum of London. Our City Together received coverage in the Londonist, Time Out and the Evening Standard, and over 30,000 views on the Our City Together website. Phase two of the project, from July to October, aimed to grow and diversify London audience engagement and develop visitor content, through a digital programme of events and activities close to home for locals.

RESOLVED, that – the presentation be received and its contents noted.