Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Town Clerk & Cultural Hub Director.

Members received a report of the Assistant Town Clerk/Cultural Hub Director in respect of the new Cultural Strategy.  Members noted that the Strategy was far-reaching and would therefore be presented to multiple City of London Corporation Committees before being presented to the Court of Common Council in December 2017 for final approval. 

Members commented positively on what appeared to be an ambitious cross-cutting strategy, also noting that it was pleasing to see the strategy embracing the need for improved signage.

Whilst pleased to see the focus on the Cultural Mile, the Board expressed its serious concerns about the general budget reduction strategy and the potential impact that this might have on the existing cultural provision. It was suggested it should be emphasised that the existing cultural assets of the City, including the Barbican Centre, represented one of the strongest elements of the Cultural Mile offer and indeed were fundamental to the entire project. Consequently, there was a pressing need to ensure that these institutions were adequately funded and maintained at a high level, so as to avoid damaging the entirety of the overall Cultural Mile proposition.

The Town Clerk thanked Members for their comments and invited any further observations to be submitted by email.

RECEIVED.