Agenda item

The Culture Mile Manager to be heard.

Members received a presentation concerning the future of Culture Mile 2021-23 and the following points were made:

·         The Culture Mile Manager stated that Culture Mile would be making recommendations to the Corporation in the New Year on how the cultural district could be used as a vehicle to support communities and recovery post-Covid through a cultural revitalisation. The importance of culture in all forms was highlighted as a catalyst for cohesion and invaluable to societal health and wellbeing.

·         The creative sector in London has been the hardest hit by the pandemic with this “cultural catastrophe” leading to mass unemployment in the sector but also students leaving education five times more likely to not get work.

·         The five thematic areas of focus were a mixed economy model, creative livelihoods, creative spaces, creative communities and a skills-building agenda. It was hoped that civic, cultural and commercial sectors could be brought together through a mixed economy model to make the City an attractive destination for culture and commerce.

·         A Health and Wellbeing approach for 2021-23 was also presented as a vision for the area to create a visitor, cultural and learning destination that is safe and welcoming to all. Culture would be used as an active tool to promote social mobility, addressing inequalities and supporting vulnerable communities.

·         A skills-building agenda through the expertise of the cultural partnership was in development whereby fusion skills could be developed for 21^st century employment.

The Chair of the Barbican Centre Board was present and recognised a huge cross over with the Health & Wellbeing Board in terms of physical and mental health work and possible collaborations. The Member highlighted that the GDA contribution to the economy from the creative sector was higher than any other and the Culture Mile initiative was hugely important in rebuilding the economy.

A Member was interested in how this initiative would benefit City workers and residents in terms of physical and mental health and wellbeing and recommended that Culture Mile work with Healthwatch. The Culture Mile Manager welcomed liaison and hoped that they could come together to improve arts and health collaborative practice and opportunities which had been sporadic to date and highlight the role of culture in health outcomes.

The Director of Community and Children’s Services confirmed work was happening between Culture Mile and DCCS since the pandemic while people were isolated and highlighted the Culture Mile’s daily local radio show as a particularly invaluable tool at this time. It was acknowledged that getting people together over a joint interest such a culture was more effective in connecting people.

Members recognised the importance of the arts and culture for all and applauded the initiative and the City Corporation for continuing to work in this area at a time when the creative industry was suffering.

A Member queried if an affordable space could be made available for residents/artists that could not afford a space in London which could also be used to offer art therapy. Members supported the need for outlets in the City for creative offerings for residents, artists, businesses and schools.

In response a query concerning how attitudes could be changed for those that viewed culture as a white, middle class and expensive experience and what drivers and engagement could be brought in, Members were advised it was a priority for Culture Mile to produce varied, culturally enriched, free events in the City that spoke to wider audiences of all backgrounds, e.g. the Smithfield Street Party. It was noted that initiatives such as the Fusion Prize encouraged innovation, skills development, cultural learning and social mobility for London and had supported non-traditional cultural events showing a clear shift for the City.

A Member noted the decline of culture, music and the arts in the curriculum of UK state schools which was negatively impacting the current generation and adding to views of cultural elitism in the UK.

The Chairman noted that Culture Mile’s activities focussed primarily in and around the Barbican Centre and encouraged use of other spaces to bring in talent and engage diverse groups elsewhere in the City (e.g. the East). Members were advised that the footprint of this district focussed on Smithfield and the Barbican and meant that public realm transformative investment concentrated here as it was seen strategically as the principle visitor destination in the City for culture by visitors. However, the Culture Mile Manager confirmed that community projects and engagement was happening throughout the City and beyond this footprint. It was recommended that the Culture and Visitor Service Team be invited to present other activities being organised across the City outside of Culture Mile.

The Chair of the Barbican Centre Board agreed that now more than ever it was important to identify and engage with all populations in the City that were able to walk to culture events. It was noted that 26 March 2021 marked the 50^th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh and there were communities in and around the City that would welcome events. Another key upcoming event was the 40^th anniversary of the Barbican Centre being built and was seen

A Member noted wider partnership opportunities beyond Culture Mile with fringe Boroughs and it was confirmed that cultural partnerships were being developed with the Heads of the local Boroughs and groups. Members agreed to share their contacts to develop these partnerships within and beyond the City.