Agenda item

Report of the Managing Director.

Members received a report of the Managing Director providing updates from the Barbican Directors on their respective areas.

During discussion, the following points were raised:

·         In respect of the Centre for Music, it was noted that the Policy and Resources Committee and Court of Common Council had supported the request for funds to enable the completion of the business case. Whilst this was a positive development, Members cautioned that it should not be misinterpreted as an expression of commitment to the overall project, which would be judged solely on the strength of the business case.

·         It was asked if improved signage could be installed directing people to the booking office, with a Member noting that they had received a number of queries from people struggling to find it since it had relocated.

·         In discussing the recent success of Boy Blue Entertainment, with whom the Barbican had been associated since 2009, it was suggested that a connection be made with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s Creative Entrepreneurs programme.

·         A recent Barbican Box project was drawn to Members’ attention, with the Director of Learning & Engagement showing the Board a clip produced by primary school children at Sir John Cass. This creative learning work had focused on the Great Fire of London and the school children had produced the video with their teachers and using inspiration from participating artists. The Town Clerk was asked to circulate the link to all Board Members following the meeting.

·         Members were informed that the stalls bar shutter had broken again. The defect was relatively serious and it was unclear at this stage how long it would take to identify a permanent fix. An interim solution was being sought but it was expected that bar income would be affected negatively in the coming period.

• Discussing his recent visit to Hamburg to view the new Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall, the Managing Director made reference to the inspiring and immersive experience provided by its unique design. A Member, who had also visited the Hall, added that its impact on local peoples’ sense of civic pride was notable, with several having raised the issue with him during his visit.

·         Members discussed the performance of the cinema, noting that the lack of control over the production of films and the degree of dependence on Hollywood meant that it was difficult to always predict performance accurately. It was observed that the Barbican’s own promotions tended to have high success levels, but took up a large degree of staff time. It was suggested that thought be given to ways in which these promotions might be curated without necessarily increasing pressure on staff.

·         The Barbican’s contribution towards both London and the UK’s cultural tourism offer was discussed, with it being noted that the nature of the Barbican’s more diverse programming meant that it did not sit in the same category as those theatres offering long-running shows. Work was ongoing and the cultural hub would represent a significant step forward in increasing the visibility of the Barbican to the tourist sector; marketing was also the subject of further discussion and the Barbican would be seeking to engage more closely with Visit London in the coming period.

·         Commenting on the Government’s recent publication of its Industrial Strategy Green Paper, it was noted that one of elements of the Strategy were ‘sector deals’ planned with businesses to address sector-specific challenges and opportunities. One such sector deal centred on the creative industries and was being led by Sir Peter Bazalgette; whilst noting that the Barbican would be responding to this through industry groups, it was also asked that the Town Clerk ascertain whether or not the City Corporation was responding to the consultation directly.

·         A Member raised the issue of risk appetite in respect of programming, cautioning that there was the possibility that the pressures of decreased funding might lead to safer choices and potentially damage the Barbican’s brand in the longer term. The Director of Arts assured the Member that the Barbican was committed to continuing its current approach and pushing artistic boundaries.

RECEIVED.