A New Direction’s ‘Cultural Capital’ review made clear that significant numbers of young Londoners, especially those from lower income backgrounds, have low levels of cultural awareness and participation and face a number of barriers to engagement. Not only are young people missing out on the enjoyment of arts and culture for their own sake, there’s also evidence that cultural literacy enables social mobility and facilitates the development of soft skills that help with success in later life.

Getting Creative will drive resources and expertise into youth organisation across the capital to give young people the opportunity to experience arts activities chosen by them in their local community. Through meaningful partnership with arts institutions we will break down barriers and support young people to engage in London’s arts offer and access opportunities for experience, qualifications and progression.