"London is a city that's not afraid of taking risks. It's a place that's full of tradition, but also about innovation, capable of embracing the future. And it's a city of diversity." Marc Quinn (Fourth Plinth artist 2005 - 2007)

Imagine, for a moment, a London without culture:

No theatres.

No art galleries.

No concert halls.

No film, fashion or design.

No filmmakers in Soho.

No artists in the East End.

It's a bleak and impossible picture to imagine. Thankfully, London’s arts and cultural sector is a great success story.

The Mayor and Greater London Authority play a key role in ensuring that London remains a hotbed for creativity and innovation and that the capital’s rich cultural offering is accessible to more Londoners.

Culture at the heart of London's success

Culture makes an invaluable contribution to London life and its economy. Over 15 million visitors travel to London every year and it is a key reason why they visit – seven out of ten tourists cite culture as a reason for their stay (London & Partners). 

Culture is an essential part of London life as well as to our economy – creating jobs, regenerating our environment and enhancing our quality of life. People move to London because it is one of the most cosmopolitan and welcoming cities on earth. Businesses relocate here because it attracts creative, dynamic professionals from a range of sectors. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales states why moving to London is so appealing "...if you're looking for a stimulating environment with different people and art to fuel the soul, London's a great city in a way that the Silicon Valley isn't."

Did you know...?

• Three of the top ten museums and galleries in the world are in London.
• London dominates the UK visual arts sectore, around 30% of the global art market.
• London is the world's third busiest film production centre, with over 14,000 'shooting days' in 2011 including the 23rd Bond film Skyfall.

It is not just the world-famous museums and galleries that draw people. For many around the world, London is a centre for popular culture – from Camden’s live music scene, to the bookshops on Charing Cross Road; from the buzz of bars and clubs in Shoreditch, to street performers in Covent Garden, or major concerts at The O2 in Greenwich.

London’s creative industries are a vital part of London's economy, employing 386,000 people and generating a turnover of almost £19 billion a year.

Mayor's Cultural Strategy for London

The first Mayoral Cultural Strategy for London was published in 2004. The current Mayoral administration published the current Cultural Strategy for London Cultural Metropolis on 15 November 2010.

You can also download an Executive Summary below.