Culture strategy for London

Better access to culture in London’s outer boroughs, the development of new talent, support for the creative industries and a drive to improve arts and music education are among 12 key priorities for the arts in London, published this week by the Greater London Authority (GLA). ‘Cultural Metropolis: the Mayor’s Priorities for Culture 2009–2012’ lays particular emphasis on maintaining “London’s position as a world centre of cultural excellence” and promoting the capital as a visitor destination, while making a case for higher government support in the light of the expectations associated with the 2012 Olympics.

In his introduction, London’s Mayor, Boris Johnson, characterised the city as “vibrant”, with “…theatres, galleries and the major funkapolitan museums of glass and steel, and people emerging – still gently vibrating – from some of the most vibrant nightclubs in the world”. He added that the Mayoralty should not “back heritage over modernism, nor…allow the destruction of much-loved old buildings. It is our job to encourage all manner of artistic expression, in the knowledge that culture is not just an add-on to the necessity of modern politics.” GLA’s Director of Culture Policy, Munira Mirza, praised the previous mayor, Ken Livingstone, for giving “arts professionals and organisations a more unified and coherent voice” and initiating public access and events programmes, but stated that GLA intends to “tackle deep-rooted problems in the cultural sector, address key areas of neglect, as well as respond to new opportunities and challenges”. Particular emphasis is placed on the “once in a lifetime opportunity” of the 2012 Games. The London Development Agency’s £1.4m ‘2012 London Cultural Skills Fund’, administered by Arts Council England, London, will open shortly. Grants of up to £50,000 will “enable not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations in London to build their capacity and capitalise on the oppor-tunities presented by the Olympics”.

Johnson said that he wanted visitors to be “lured to the neglected cultural gems of the outer boroughs”, but called arts provision in those areas “very patchy”. He announced initiatives include a London Film Day, offering events and screening across Greater London, and extra funding for the London Jazz Festival. The strategy also raises the issue of physical access to venues, and transport problems such as cost, congestion and the lack of coach parking for school cultural visits. A Culture Pass for young people and senior citizens, linked to the Oyster Card and giving free or discounted access to facilities, is under consideration. The Mayor’s manifesto commitment to reduce spending has led to a plan to “pump-prime community events with the intention that they should eventually become more financially independent”. There will also be moves to share resources.

The strategy document also lays out the role and responsibilities of the newly established London Cultural Strategy Group, formerly the London Cultural Consortium. The body, whose 25 members will both meet quarterly and also form smaller action groups, will lead the public consultation on the new plan. Responses are invited by 30 January 2009, after which a more detailed Cultural Strategy will be developed.
w: http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/ culture/cultural-metropolis/