Mayor Boris Johnson has unveiled his draft cultural strategy Cultural Metropolis for public consultation.

Cultural Metropolis sets out how the Mayor will support and work in partnership with a sector that generates over £18bn to ensure London maintains its position as the ‘greatest cultural capital of the world’. This will include continuing to fund activities, particularly through the London Development Agency, with support for high quality art projects such as the Fourth Plinth Commission and the ArcelorMittal Orbit. The Mayor has also announced plans for The Culture Diary, which will be the definitive guide to cultural activity in the capital throughout the whole of 2012, offering a unique platform for cultural and creative organisations of all sizes.

Improving access and participation, especially for young people and parts of the capital not as well served as others, is a continuing key priority. This includes initiatives including citywide festivals such as the Story of London; London Film Day in conjunction with Film London; and funding for London Jazz Festival performances around the capital.

The Mayor also wants to work with and improve links between schools, families and cultural institutions, as well as ensuring GLA-backed campaigns engage with young people and help foster a spirit of inquiry and aspiration for arts, heritage and culture. Examples include Rhythm of London and the popular Busking Underground competition; funding for Children’s Art Day; and the £250,000 plan to boost musical opportunities for young Londoners

Cultural Metropolis and information about how to comment on the draft strategy is available as a download from www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/mayor/publications/culture/draft-cultural-strategy Consultation information at: www.london.gov.uk/get-involved/consultations/current-consultations/cultural-strategy.

For additional information about the Mayor’s priorities for culture go to www.london.gov.uk/priorities/art-culture.