Arts and cultural institutions and individual sponsors must do more to reach out and inspire young people, guests have been told at a City of London event held last night at Guildhall.

Hosting the annual City of London Corporation Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee Dinner, the Bangladeshi-born film producer, diversity champion, and chairman of the committee, Munsur Ali voiced his concerns about the lack of investment in the next generation of artists, musicians, writers, and designers.

Addressing guests working in arts and cultural institutions in neighbouring boroughs and Greater London, Munsur said that “we need to encourage more young people to seriously consider careers in the cultural sector and, especially, those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Reminding the audience that the City Corporation invests over £130million in heritage and cultural activities in the UK every year, Munsur admitted that “local authorities alone cannot make this happen”, adding that partnership work – creating new connections and strengthening existing connections -  with patrons and institutions is key to engaging young new talent.

As well as outlining these issues and speaking of his pride in chairing the Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, the event was an opportunity to pay tribute to the Dinner’s guest of honour, Wendy Hyde, who chaired the committee for three years until March 2023.

Munsur Ali said: “Wendy deserves particular praise for her confident and thoughtful stewardship of the Committee during the evolution of the City Arts Initiative, Culture Mile, and most recently, Destination City.”

Dedicated to making the City a thriving, seven-day-a-week destination, Destination City will power the Square Mile’s recovery from the pandemic, reaching new and existing audiences to encourage footfall and spend.

To applause, Munsur Ali rounded off his speech with a rallying call to “make the City of London the greatest cultural destination for all!”

The City Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For media requests, please contact Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, and Heritage), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk