The protesters had been demonstrating in a “light-hearted” way against new admission charges (of £7.50 per person) following the gallery’s re-opening after an £8 million overhaul.
Protesters, as per this paper’s reporting in 2015, “descended en masse on the ticket desks, showing their York Cards and demanding free admission.”
York Museums Trust chief executive Janet Barnes said she made an instant decision to allow them access as a matter of “public safety.”
Artists had also set up a ‘York Free Art Gallery’ in Exhibition Square in front of the gallery.
The artists distributed leaflets claiming: “Tomorrow’s artists need access to inspiring art today.
“By charging for gallery entry, are we hindering those with poorer backgrounds from becoming tomorrow’s artists?”
The artists, supported by York People’s Assembly, argued that the new admission charges were linked to a 60 per cent cut in council funding.
Green York councillor Andy D’Agorne had previously encouraged residents to show proof of address and demand their right to free entry to the gallery when it re-opened.
He said: “The trust is required to provide free access to the gallery for York residents as a condition of their lease from City of York Council.”
Mr D’Agorne advised those who paid the fee to keep a signed receipt for any legal claim against the trust if the charge was subsequently ruled to be illegal.