What sort of event would you like to see staged at the Barbican - without paying for the hire of the
21/07/2011
Issued by City of York Council
That's the question City of York Council is asking residents, partner organisations and community groups in the city as it makes plans to offer the venue for community or cultural events free of venue hire charge on two days each year.
As part of the conditions of the lease to entertainment specialists SMG, City of York Council negotiated to set aside four free days a year for staging public events that promote the city or foster community spirit.
Two of the days have already been agreed - the Sunday proceeding Remembrance Day for the Festival of Remembrance and a date in mid-December for the annual Community Carol Concert.
The other two days are more flexible throughout the year but will have to fit in with criteria agreed by Cllr Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member, Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion. They will be provided following agreement between SMG and the council that they will not conflict with large-scale conferences or other big events that bring significant benefits to the York economy.
Cllr Sonja Crisp, said: "While technical and stewarding costs still have to be covered, being able to use the Barbican free of venue hire charge could be an important saving to many community and cultural groups across the city.
"I am keen that we use these days to promote the fantastic talent we have in all aspects of culture. The venue could also be used to support community projects, or projects supporting festival activity in the city.
"Currently we are planning to use the next free day for a "York Salutes John Barry Concert" on 30 October, which will not only pay tribute to the talent of a great Freeman of the city but will also help to raise funds for the Lord Mayor's charities.
We are now looking for proposals for available days in 2012."
Residents can write in to share their ideas or proposals for how these two free days can be used to Gill Cooper, Head of Arts, Culture and Heritage, City of York Council, 18 Back Swinegate, York YO1 8ZD. Please contact Gill before the end of September 2011.