The Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee meeting scheduled for 23 March 2026 was set to discuss a range of significant items, including recommendations for public art installations, the business plans for The London Archives and the Culture Team, and proposed fees and charges for Keats House. The committee was also scheduled to consider a resolution from the Policy & Resources Committee regarding the abolition of hard copy pocket books.

City Public Art Panel Recommendations

The committee was scheduled to consider recommendations from the City Public Art Panel regarding four proposed permanent public art installations. These included:

• 'Oranges & Lemons' Mural at John Milton Passage, Bow Bells. This abstract and colourful mural, designed by artist Will Barras, aims to transform the passage into a vibrant cultural space celebrating the area's history and diversity. The proposal includes plans for interpretation with a QR code and braille signage. The City Public Art Panel recommended its approval, with a request for further plans regarding the lighting of the passage.
• 'Biblio-textile' Metal Artwork at 1 Golden Lane. This commission by artist Coralie Turpin features mosaic-inspired panels and laser-cut perforations reflecting the Cripplegate story and local philanthropic history. Community engagement has been undertaken with local schools and residents, with mosaic workshops contributing to interior installations. The City Public Art Panel supported the artwork but recommended further development regarding safety and accessibility, particularly concerning polished metal edges.
• 'Continuum' at 100 Bishopsgate. This proposal by artist Halima Cassell aims to replace a failing 'Green Wall' with a permanent artwork composed of ceramic tiles. The design is inspired by local architecture and history, including the St Ethelburga Centre for Reconciliation and Peace and the Lloyd's Building's Woodford Stones. The panel supported the quality of the artwork and the artistic selection, noting the prominence of female artists in public art proposals. Further clarification was requested regarding maintenance, lighting, and interpretation.
• Fleet Street Historic Street Artwork at Peterborough Court. This proposal features artwork based on an 1838 historic street view by cartographer John Tallis, celebrating Fleet Street's character and heritage. The City Public Art Panel requested further details on interpretative elements, accessibility considerations for the steep gradient, and lighting and maintenance plans.

For all four proposals, the City Public Art Panel recommended their approval, subject to necessary permissions and the confirmation of outstanding details.

Business Plan 2026/29 - The London Archives

The committee was to consider the high-level Business Plan for The London Archives for the period 2026-2029. This plan aligns with the City Corporation's Corporate Plan 2024-2029 and outlines key priority areas, including the accommodation review for The London Archives and audience development work. The plan also highlights synergies with other City departments and institutions, such as the City Surveyor's and Chamberlain's departments, and the Guildhall Library transformation programme. It details resource utilisation, with a focus on staffing costs and efforts to keep development costs to a minimum, and outlines performance measurement through quarterly reporting and audience surveys. A significant risk identified is the need for decisions regarding future accommodation well in advance of the 2035 lease expiry at the Northampton Road site.

Keats House Fees and Charges 2026/27

A report was presented outlining two options for fees and charges at Keats House for the 2026/27 period. Keats House, a registered charity with the City Corporation as sole trustee, relies on fees and charges for approximately 50% of its income target. The report noted a 32% increase in paid visitors in the previous year and an income target of £118k for 2026/27.

• Option 1 proposed freezing ticket prices at their 2025/26 rates (£10 full price, £6 concessionary, £3 community ticket), taking into account the previous year's increase and potential impact of planned maintenance works.
• Option 2, which was recommended, proposed increasing ticket prices in line with inflation (3%), resulting in rates of £10.30 full price, £6.20 concessionary, and £3.10 community ticket. This option was recommended to reflect increased costs and the need to generate more external income.

Under either option, taught learning sessions would be maintained in line with the Natural Environment Learning Team's charging structure, and hourly rates for private hires would increase by approximately 3%.

Culture Business Plan 2026/27

The committee was to review the high-level Business Plan for the Culture Team for 2026/27. This plan is transitional, pending the finalisation of the Cultural Strategy, and is based on commitments and priorities agreed in November 2025. The plan emphasises the development of the Cultural Strategy as a key priority, aiming to align with the Corporate Plan 2024-2029 and foster collaboration across City Corporation departments and cultural institutions. It highlights the importance of cross-cutting themes such as Equity, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EEDI). The report noted that the Culture Team's office space utilisation at Guildhall is partially utilised due to flexible working arrangements. A significant risk identified is the urgent need to address the transfer of The Monument's management and service delivery to the Culture Team, as the team currently lacks the resources to manage this project.

Resolution of Policy & Resources Committee on Abolishment of Hard Copy of Pocket Book

The committee was to consider a resolution from the Policy & Resources Committee recommending the abolition of the hard copy Pocket Book. This proposal was made in the interest of ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of resource use across the organisation. The Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee was invited to review the deletion of the hard copy Pocket Book.