Agenda item

Report of the Managing Director.

The Board received a report of the Managing Director providing an update on the introduction of gender neutral toilets on level -2 of the Barbican Centre.

The Chairman noted that this had been the subject of significant press and social media coverage, adding that it was therefore important that the Board was aware of the background to this issue and was comfortable with how this was being taken forward. He observed that a Working Group had been established to consider the matter and took the opportunity to thank Deputy Lord for his contributions and advice, including a short guidance note concerning awareness of non-binary individuals and wider gender issues. This would be circulated to all Board Members following the meeting.

The general question of toilet provision and the perceived lack of adequate facilities was also discussed, with the Managing Director advising that this was a common problem across many arts venues. He observed that the Centre would ideally move towards cubicle only toilet provision, which would help both in terms of toilet provision and also address gender neutrality concerns more easily; however, as the Barbican was a listed building, this was not straightforward. The Managing Director also confirmed that the Barbican was committed to finding a more practical place in the building to introduce a gender neutral toilet.

RECEIVED.