Assembly response to Mayor's draft Cultural Strategy: 2012 and Beyond

The London Assembly's Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee has published its response to the Mayor’s draft Cultural Strategy: 2012 and Beyond.

The response seeks clarification on the Mayor’s role, priorities and actions in the field of cultural policy in London. The Committee recognises that culture is an area where the Mayor has limited influence and believes the Strategy should focus on the areas where the Mayor has most impact.

The Committee is seeking more information on how the Mayor plans to work in partnership to set priorities, provide leadership and deliver long-term improvements for culture.

The Committee recognises that cultural projects across London are varied and diverse. How the Mayor and London Development Agency (LDA) decides which to support needs to be governed by a strategic vision and clear criteria.

The Committee held a public meeting on 11 February 2010 to review the draft Strategy with Munira Mirza, the Mayoral Advisor on Arts and Culture, Iwona Blazwick, Chair of London Cultural Strategy Group and Uanu Seshmi, Consultant in social, emotional and young people issues, From Boyhood to Manhood Foundation.

Update - March 2011

Munira Mirza appeared before the Committee on 18 January to update members on how the strategy had been put into action. Following the meeting she wrote to the Chair to detail the progress made. Her letter is attached below.