Agenda item

Report of the Director of the Museum of London.

Appendices 1-7 attached.

Members considered a report of the Director of the Museum of London concerning the Culture Mile Learning (CML) Case for Investment 2022/23. The Director of the Museum of London introduced the item and noted that the recommendation of the report was a request for funding for work taking place 2022/23.

Members discussed the information in the report and commented that the assistance with the Afghan Refugee programme demonstrated a flexible use of funds and adaptability from the team. It was noted that the 2022/23 programme was to be split into two key areas: Creative Curriculum – with dedicated work being carried out on de-colonising the curriculum – and Social Mobility, with an aim to expand the work experience opportunities with more longer-term placements, especially for vulnerable young people.  It was planned to seek grant funding to support additional workstreams from a range of funders including Arts Council England. 

The Chair asked why the School Visit Fund referred to an allocation of £16,000 when it had previously totalled at £52,000. Officers clarified that the sum of £16,000 was the annual allocation for grants, with an additional £14,000 allocated for staffing. The standard amount received each year was £30,000 but there had been funds carried forward from previous years, including for the COVID period. Members queried why 66% of the budget had been allocated to staffing with only £82,000 allocated to the projects themselves and it was confirmed that staff leveraged the funds and the contributions from the wider networks combined, meaning the budget was amplified when looking at the resources used.

Members sought clarification as to whether CML was a part of the CoL Corporation, or if it acted as an independent body. In response, the Board heard that CML was a network which delivered projects and had been set up by the Corporation, but which was not formally constituted: its funding was sourced from a strong partnership with the Corporation, as well as other partners and external funds.  Another Member asked if consideration had been given to seeking involvement from Livery Companies to assist with funding or community engagement for some projects and it was advised that whilst these channels hadn’t previously been investigated, this proposal had merit and would be explored with the Livery in the near future.

The Chair commented that only £32,000 had been allocated for school-based projects and sought further explanation on the use of these funds. In response, Members heard that this related to the social mobility work underway; whilst both the work experience programme and the mentoring programme included school-aged children whilst older children were also enrolled. Additionally, the ‘Fusion Futures’ project was aimed entirely at Key Stage 5.

Members concluded that, in light of the lack of clarity on certain aspects of the report, additional explanation for several budget allocations would be required before any decision could be made.

RESOLVED, that:

the Board agree to delegate authority to the Town Clerk in consultation with the Chair and Deputy Chair to approve funding for Culture Mile Learning for the 2022/23 financial year, subsequent to receipt of the requested additional information.