The Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee met on Monday 18 May 2026 to discuss a range of items including public art recommendations, the appointment of representatives to the Keats House Consultative Committee, and the updated Terms of Reference for the City Public Art Panel. The meeting also included a discussion on the City's Cultural Strategy.

City Public Art Panel Recommendations

The committee was scheduled to consider recommendations from the City Public Art Panel (CPAP) regarding several public art proposals. These included the potential permanent relocation of Antony Gormley's sculpture 'Resolution' to Holborn Circus. The CPAP recommended supporting this relocation, subject to necessary permissions and further information being provided.

The panel also reviewed proposals for permanent artworks at 1 Exchange Square by artist Rhys Coren, which would use repurposed granite and act as wayfinding beacons. For temporary installations, the committee was to be informed about 'The Veggery', a pavilion and greenhouse for the London Festival of Architecture, planned for St. Giles Terrace, and 'If Stone Could Speak', a temporary installation marking the launch of new seating from reclaimed Thames embankment granite, proposed for Peter's Hill.

City Public Art Panel Terms of Reference

An update to the Terms of Reference for the City Public Art Panel was scheduled for discussion. This included proposed changes to membership, clarification on exclusions such as seasonal decorative installations and blue plaques, and refinements to the governance procedure for planning-led applications. The panel's role is to provide advice on public art proposals, evaluating artistic merit, siting, and maintenance.

Appointment to Keats House Consultative Committee

The committee was due to consider appointments to the Keats House Consultative Committee for the 2026/27 period. This involved appointing two members to serve alongside the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, who also sit on the consultative committee. The Keats House Consultative Committee makes representations to the main committee on matters affecting Keats House.

Cultural Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was allocated for a discussion on the City's Cultural Strategy. This report, from the Deputy Town Clerk, was intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the strategy, which guides the City Corporation's activities and services in culture, heritage, and visitor engagement.

Forward Plan

Members were asked to note the committee's forward plan, which outlines upcoming agenda items for future meetings. This included planned updates on Keats House and The Monument, revenue outturn, and the cultural strategy.

Other Business

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies, declarations of interest, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. The election of a Chair and Deputy Chair for the committee was also scheduled. A motion to exclude the public for certain non-public agenda items was also to be considered.