Agenda item

The Committee noted that Rebecca Salter, the first female President of the Royal Academy of Arts, will be awarded the Freedom of the City of London on 05 February 2026.

A Member commented on an apparently inappropriate installation close to the Keats statue at Moorgate and asked whether planning permission from the BID was obtained. The meeting heard that clarification would be sought.

On the 11 foundational commitments and priorities agreed on 11 November 2025, a Member suggested the establishment of a Culture Fund as a further 12th priority, separate to commitment 9.

Members agreed the proposal, and also suggested that it should be brought to the attention of the Education Board to explore complementarity in delivering cultural priorities – noting in particular commitment number 10 (‘Open the City’s culture to London’s classrooms’).

RESOLVED, That an additional commitment be agreed, whose wording is as follows:

FUNDING: IMPLEMENTING AND DELIVERING THE CULTURAL STRATEGY

Establishment of a cultural fund to assist with the facilitation and implementation of these foundational commitments and priorities.