Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of the Environment Department.

Members received a report of the Executive Director of Environment in respect of the Mid-Year Update for Keats House Charity for 2020/21.

Members were informed that following the previous meeting in May 2021, Keats House had reopened to the public for three days per week, with four hour-long sessions each day. These sessions were open to both booking and walk-up visitors. An online events programme was maintained throughout pandemic, and live events have been reintroduced.

In regards to future plans, the following areas of focus were noted:

• Programming live events through to Christmas, based on utilising the investment and experience of the Keats200 events, and looking forward to an events programme for Spring and Summer;
• Consideration of opportunities to widen engagement with both worldwide audiences, through the achievements of the online events programme, and developing family and school programmes
• Implementation of improved infrastructure around the property, including security systems, paving and lighting, and the fence on the front boundary ;
• Consideration of investment in Keats House digital infrastructure, to allow for recording and livecasting and improved digital access for visitors;

Members heard that the Keats Foundation had received agreement for a bust of Keats to be placed in the City, and a competition to find an artist had been launched.

It was noted that the renegotiation of the licence for Keats Community Library (KCL) was the responsibility of the City Surveyors Department. The Principal Curator of Keats House confirmed that they want to support KCL as it provides a complementary service to Keats House. The Chair and the Principal Curator also explained the impact of the Corporation’s Target Operating Model and the proposed new strategy for culture. An Officer from the Open Spaces Department confirmed that these would not lead to any change in the Corporation’s relationship with Keats House.

RESOLVED, that – the update be received.