Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath (copy attached).

The Superintendent of Hampstead Heath introduced a report on the Affordable Art Fair held on the Heath in June 2013. He noted the relative success of the event, which had generated £3million in art sales but attracted fewer visitors than had been anticipated, which was probably due to the fact that the event was held only seven months after the previous Art Fair.

The Superintendent also outlined proposals for an associated event in 2014, called GROW London. This event would serve as a one-stop shop for garden experts, enthusiasts and the interested public and promote themes of sustainability, ecology and community planting projects. He noted that the proposal envisaged the GROW London event being intrinsically linked with the Heath, much in the same way that the Affordable Art Fair concept is associated with its original venue in Battersea. He concluded by saying that he had received messages of support from the Heath & Hampstead Society, and that the projected income from the two events would prove welcome over the next few years.

The Chairman thanked the Superintendent for the report and noted that the existing Affordable Art Fair also raised sums for charity as well as providing profit for the organisers and exhibitors.

RESOLVED, that:

·         The Committee note the relative success of the 2013 Affordable Art Fair in welcoming 16,500 adult visitors to the Heath and raising additional income from hire fees for the site;

·         The Committee approve the Affordable Art Fair continuing to be held in June and agree to its licence being granted for a further three years;

·         The Committee approve the hosting of a second event following the affordable art fair on a three year licence and note the plans that are underway with regards to the annual GROW London event.