The inaugural NLA Culture Expert Panel marks a significant step in our endeavour to redefine London's cultural landscape, bringing together a diverse array of industry experts to shape the future of culture in our vibrant city.

Through this panel, our aim is to develop key milestones in the NLA programme, which will culminate in a bold and challenging white paper, positioning culture as a responsibility within businesses and underscoring its accountability.

While culture is often viewed as an intangible industry, we know it is a golden thread that touches every corner of our city, and we need to ensure this continues to ring true now and into the future. The vulnerability of the sector means it requires nurturing, ongoing investment and buy in from policymakers, investors, businesses, and communities.

Exploring Positive Case Studies

To kick off the session, Andy Robinson, Head of Strategy at Futurecity, presented key case studies highlighting successful cultural initiatives both inside and outside London. From night-time enterprise zones to community empowerment projects like the Azra running club, we were inspired by various endeavours that have served as catalysts for change in their respective locations. We delved into discussions on real estate risks and the potential of meanwhile spaces, emphasising the need for experimental approaches to space utilisation and the role of culture in driving community transformations.

We dedicated a significant portion of the dialogue to ensuring accessibility for all visitors to the best in culture that London has to offer. The concept of "Culture Unbound" emerged, advocating for accessibility across boroughs. We deliberated on strategies to make cultural experiences financially feasible and appealing, considering alternative, non-traditional forms of cultural experiences. We highlighted the importance of prioritising culture over profit and reimagining cultural experiences post-lockdown to attract diverse audiences.

As panellists, we also explored collaborative opportunities to enhance cultural activations across boroughs, emphasising the need for a centralised driver to diversify cultural experiences and develop a cohesive cultural strategy for London. We discussed the possibility of implementing mechanisms akin to Opportunity London to invest in culture across all boroughs, ensuring equitable access to cultural amenities.

Addressing the complexities of financing cultural initiatives, we discussed potential funding mechanisms such as tourism taxes and public-private partnerships. We proposed the concept of cultural zoning to incentivize cultural investments while preserving heritage and community value. We talked about the need to advocate for responsible landlord practices and community benefits, stressing the importance of a balance between value taken and value added by businesses in cultural spaces. Developing a cultural development toolkit could mitigate this and provide a framework for operating.

As the meeting closed, we reflected on the importance of collective action in safeguarding London's cultural vibrancy. Our robust discussions concluded there is a need to measure the importance of culture and what the UK economy stands to lose if it’s not adequately invested in. 

Plans were outlined for subsequent meetings focusing on diverse themes such as health, future generations, and partnership work.

Our commitment as a panel is to shape a more accessible, 24/7, and inclusive cultural landscape. We look forward to continuing these discussions to lay the groundwork for the future of culture in London.