Agenda item

To approve the public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 8 July 2014.

The public minutes and summary of the meeting held on 8 July 2014 were approved.

Matters Arising

Exhibit B

The Managing Director provided Members with an update on the events that had taken place the previous night leading to the cancellation of the theatre installation Exhibit B.   

Security had been planned for the event specifically to accommodate peaceful protest, following considerable dialogue with the protestors in advance of the show opening. Unfortunately however, when protestors had knocked over barriers and rushed the doors of the building, the police advised that the safety of the cast, staff and audience could not be guaranteed if the performance continued, and therefore the Manager of the Vaults felt he had no option other than to cancel the performances.   All audience, staff and performers were safely evacuated.  

It was noted that Exhibit B had toured successfully around the world, including elsewhere to the Edinburgh Festival, without such incident until now and had received a number of highly favourable reviews praising its impact and thought-provoking message.  

In response to questions, it was advised that both the British Transport Police (who held jurisdiction over the Waterloo Vaults) and the Metropolitan Police had been fully briefed in advance of the event. It was also confirmed that no arrests were made, and that the Barbican Centre was not insured against the financial loss caused.