City Hall could host live theatre performances to help support London’s arts and culture industry.
City Hall is ready and able to host more vibrant cultural performances, to boost the sector and entice Londoners to City Hall.
Therefore, the London Assembly has today passed a motion calling on the Mayor to host at least one arts and culture performance at City Hall.
It has also urged the Mayor to commission a London Playwright in Residence each year to write a piece of art relevant to Londoners and to host a performance at City Hall.
Zack Polanski AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“London’s theatre and art communities are in crisis across our city, and deserve the full support of their Assembly Members and Mayor.
“We staged the first theatrical production in the new City Hall last month, with actors and audience members from over 20 boroughs joining us to celebrate the beauty of London theatre with a brand-new play by London playwright Rikki Beadle-Blair MBE.
“I’m hopeful that today’s motion brings us closer to making that kind of performance a norm here at City Hall, as we work to open up the building to every Londoner.”
Hina Bokhari AM, who seconded the motion, said:
“London is at risk of falling behind other cities around the world, whose civic buildings often double as cultural venues for music, art, comedy and theatre.
“The Mayor must now put City Hall back at the metaphorical heart of our city, and allow it to become a cultural focal point for all Londoners to enjoy.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly notes:
- London’s theatre and art communities are in crisis across our city and deserve the full support of their Assembly Members and Mayor.
- London’s City Hall is ready and able to host more vibrant cultural performances, drawing Londoners from across their city into this beautiful civic space.
- That while the Mayor has already made a commendable start at investing in London’s creative industries through various Mayor’s Decisions, we would applaud directing more theatrical live performances to City Hall itself.
This Assembly calls on the Mayor to:
- Commit to supporting live performances of arts and culture over the year – specifically theatre – including at least one such performance in London's Living Room at City Hall each year, put on by and for Londoners.
Commission a London Playwright in Residence each year to a) write a piece of art relevant to Londoners and b) host a performance at City Hall.
Notes to editors
- The motion was agreed 11 votes for, 10 votes against and upon use of the Chair’s additional and casting vote
- Watch the webcast.
- Zack Polanski AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.