The cultural sector has a unique and important role in the future of children and young people in London.

To make the most of its potential, the sector must respond to the context of the city. It must address the trends and challenges that London is facing.

We have identified four major themes for everyone working in cultural education to consider.

We want to hear your views on how these affect your work, in order to help us build an agenda for change.

  • Are you planning with these themes in mind?
  • Where do you see opportunities for cultural education to make a difference?
  • What can A New Direction do to help the cultural sector – and schools and youth sector providers – navigate change and provide the best we can for all young Londoners?

"London is a city of culture and creativity, science, sport and stories, with a multitude of museums, galleries, libraries and heritage sites. This is a rich context for learning" The Mayor's Education Inquiry, 2012

School

Schools are the main route to cultural experience for many young people. How can the cultural sector respond to changes in education?

Home

Family background makes a profound difference to young people's happiness, life chances, and cultural participation. How can culture make a difference inside the home?

Community

The communities that London's young people live in, and are supported by, face a distinct set of challenges. How can culture address these?

Work

London is the heart of the UK's creative and cultural industries. What is the best role for culture in providing skills and employment?

Summary

London should use its unique, world leading cultural assets to make the lives of young people better. If we don't understand the issues young Londoners face, how can we really meet their needs?

Get involved in the conversation

We want to hear from you, to help us build an agenda for change. Please tell us what you think, or join the Linkedin discussion group to get involved.

References - and how we developed the Agenda

Our evidence for Future Agenda has been gathered through a structured literature review and analysis, and surveys, interviews and focus groups with young people, culture and education professionals.