Agenda item

Purpose of the report: 

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the Magna Carta Programme, the art commission and the work being undertaken to deliver the official event to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta.

In response to matters raised at Communities Select Committee of 14 January 2015, this paper principally reports on the planning arrangements / budget to deliver the 15th June 2015 event. Due to the high profile nature of the event – and security provisions – this will be a verbal report to the meeting.

In response to the request for a more detailed briefing about the art commission to mark the 800th anniversary, the artist and producer will be making a presentation to the meeting about the design of the artwork.

Witnesses:

Susie Kemp, Assistant Chief Executive

Peter Milton, Head of Cultural Services

Helen Clack, Cabinet Member for Community Services

Hew Lock, Artist of the Magna Carta Art Commission

Michael Prior, Situations Trust

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.       The artist of the Magna Carta Art Commission expressed to the Committee his vision for the art work. Once completed this would be a global piece and translated across the world to reflect the international nature of the Magna Carta.  The art commission would consist of 12 chairs representing a jury and would include representations of liberty, freedom around the world, struggles for human rights and the right to trial by a jury.  The piece would be interactive and visitors would be able to touch and sit on it.  It was added that the design takes into account the landscape of the location. This was thoroughly considered by the artist and the National Trust investigated the area of landscape including risks which the artist responded to.

2.       The Committee was informed that alongside the work of the art commission and events programme a website was being developed and leaflets would be available on site of the art commission to provide information.  On behalf of the partnership, Royal Holloway University London developed an app with information on Magna Carta and to help users explore the Runnymede area as a whole. The Committee expressed that as not everyone would have access to the internet, it was important to ensure the information was easily accessible in all formats.

3.       There was a discussion around insuring the art commission and the Committee was informed that the piece would be owned by Surrey County Council with a loan agreement on National Trust land. The National Trust would be responsible for insuring the piece, cleaning it and establishing security.  It was added that security would include a range of measures; the Committee suggested using the Runnymede CCTV control centre to monitor the site.  The copyright agreement would permit non-commercial photographers to promote the artwork.

4.       The Committee was informed that the National Trust has supported the Magna Carta celebrations by giving Surrey County Council £100,000, and the City of London has also provided £85,000 to the project.  Thousands of guests had now been invited and a park and ride with staggered arrivals would be organised to mitigate crowd problems.  The Committee was informed that an overspend on the event would probably occur and the service was in the process of working with the Police to establish who would be responsible for which security costs.

5.       Officers informed the Committee that representations from different places were being involved in the programme of events to ensure a wide range of involvement at all levels.

Recommendations:

·         To note the content of the report and request a further update at the next Communities Select Committee.

Actions/further information to be provided:

·         The Committee agreed to look at the detailed budget of the Magna Carta celebrations as a part two item at the next Committee.