Your cultural life in London
Stage: Evidence gatheringLondoners are less likely than elsewhere in the country to have engaged with arts and culture in the last 12 months. Find out more and tell us your views. You could win access to over 90 attractions with a Go City Pass in our survey prize draw.
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1008 Londoners have responded | 06/06/2024 - 21/07/2024
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City Hall's Culture team wants to better understand how Londoners experience arts and culture across the city, and what prevents them from doing so.
- What, if anything, would encourage you to experience arts and culture more often in London?
- What arts and cultural experiences do you wish were more readily available in your area?
- How do you usually find out about cultural experiences? Where do you look for them?
- What has been your best experience with arts and culture in London, and why?
Mike from City Hall's Culture team will be reading your comments and joining the discussion below.
The discussion ran from 05 June 2024 - 21 July 2024
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Official Representative 2 months agoHi folks,
Are you aware of London’s ‘culture lates’ type events– where cultural attractions stay open later than usual – is it easy to find out about these events and are you interested in attending them?
More broadly, if you go to late night cultural events, we’d love to hear more about the type of events you go to, where they are and what you like about them.
Thank you!
anawesomepython
Community Member 1 month agoI think that (as a 16 year old) my friends are less inclined towards cultural events because they seem to attract, and be marketed towards older crowd.
Jeg
Community Member 1 month agoApart from the museums that are free to enter everything else is too expensive for normal people.
LondonLife1
Community Member 1 month agoEverything is so expensive. Everything that is not expensive is packed. Also, there has been a recent drop in quality. Everything focuses more on ticking boxes than quality.
If you're going to give me an activity, make it good, not just...
Show full commentEverything is so expensive. Everything that is not expensive is packed. Also, there has been a recent drop in quality. Everything focuses more on ticking boxes than quality.
If you're going to give me an activity, make it good, not just box checking.
Alexis
Community Member 1 month agoMany central London cultural activities are expensive and as a retired person it is easier to go to more local events. Having to do everything digitally can be a deterrent
blutygudetama
Community Member 1 month agoI've been to quite a couple of arts/cultural events in Germany and a lot of them are free to go which felt very inclusive as you can see a good mix of everybody there. Most events in London cost quite a bit which I think played a hand in...
Show full commentI've been to quite a couple of arts/cultural events in Germany and a lot of them are free to go which felt very inclusive as you can see a good mix of everybody there. Most events in London cost quite a bit which I think played a hand in deterring people from going
Show less of commentJoannaMF
Community Member 1 month agoI really think opening hours for me play a major factor and would love to see more early or late openings.
YoungatHeart
Community Member 1 month agoI would like to take my grandchildren more often. They loved going to Hampton Court last Sunday. However, the easiest way from their home is by train and I do not feel comfortable using trains with my grandchildren. The gaps between the...
Show full commentI would like to take my grandchildren more often. They loved going to Hampton Court last Sunday. However, the easiest way from their home is by train and I do not feel comfortable using trains with my grandchildren. The gaps between the trains and the platforms are often very high. There have been a number of accidents reported recently, especially on the Elizabeth line.
Show less of commentwillmow
Community Member 1 month agoWife & I love stuff that's left-field and stretches your mind! Culture in all its guises is one of the main reasons we're still in London after 40 years. The thought of moving out to the provinces to survive on a diet of Les Mis, Lord of...
Show full commentWife & I love stuff that's left-field and stretches your mind! Culture in all its guises is one of the main reasons we're still in London after 40 years. The thought of moving out to the provinces to survive on a diet of Les Mis, Lord of the Dance and pantomine fills me with horror :) Hoorah for the Tricycle/Kiln, Bush, Hampstead, National theatres et al!
Show less of commentJacky's Jukebox
Community Member 1 month agoI run an LGBTQ+ dance club for latin & Ballroom Dancing, but venues which have a large dance floor in London are very expensive.
We have over 300 members, but often struggle to find venues.
MarisolG
Community Member 2 months agoI find living in Greenwich is a great advantage to be close to cultural places, but sometimes events get sold out quite quickly.
dockleaf
Community Member 2 months agoA key reason that Londoners don't take advantage of the cultural activities in the city is that they can't afford it. Ticket prices have risen hugely, as has the cost of eating out, or even getting a cup of coffee. Essential costs of...
Show full commentA key reason that Londoners don't take advantage of the cultural activities in the city is that they can't afford it. Ticket prices have risen hugely, as has the cost of eating out, or even getting a cup of coffee. Essential costs of living swallow up earnings for too many of us. Less well off people used to get properly subsidised tickets, which would be e.g. 25% or even less of the full price. These days, a 'concession' ticket will be just a few pounds less than the very expensive full price ticket, so the 'concession' is meaningless. Also, the poorer areas of London - e.g. Newham - have nothing going on in the local area.
Show less of commentKEVIN BARRINGTON
Community Member 1 month agoYes I agree, the costs of some of these cultural events can be quite pricey for low earners/income people. Even if I manage to get to an event, the costs of refreshments are prohibited for me.
SRA
Community Member 2 months agoPlease to be part of this group.
I am fortunate enough to live within walking distance of Kenwood House, I would love to see more outdoor picnic concerts and outdoor theatre - and at a reasonable price
sweetguy2004
Community Member 2 months agoThank you for this information.thank you London for doing a wonderful works
MLawal
Community Member 2 months agoLondoners who don’t engage in arts and culture are probably too busy working and/or are not aware of events that interest them
MLawal
Community Member 2 months agoWhen I was a baby I was lucky because my Aunty, a clothes making teacher, would take me to museums and galleries. My primary and secondary schools also put a lot of effort into arranging school trips to museums, galleries and pantomimes...
Show full commentWhen I was a baby I was lucky because my Aunty, a clothes making teacher, would take me to museums and galleries. My primary and secondary schools also put a lot of effort into arranging school trips to museums, galleries and pantomimes. Now I take my 1 year old to free museums and galleries as well as local playgroups. I’ve lived in London all my life so I’m very knowledgeable about places to go and how to find out information
Show less of commentcez1984
Community Member 2 months agoAlthough London does have plenty of things that are free to enjoy, it would be nice if for those that aren't, London residents at least got a discount if not free entry like many other cities around the world do. I'm unable to go as much as...
Show full commentAlthough London does have plenty of things that are free to enjoy, it would be nice if for those that aren't, London residents at least got a discount if not free entry like many other cities around the world do. I'm unable to go as much as I used to with the rise in cost of living
Show less of commentCrispySeaweed
Community Member 2 months agoI think it is so sad that Londonders do not take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in London often right on the doorstep or a stones throw away and are often free. It is very important and beneficial to health and well being. Spread...
Show full commentI think it is so sad that Londonders do not take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in London often right on the doorstep or a stones throw away and are often free. It is very important and beneficial to health and well being. Spread the word and share the cost in a group setting. London offers so much and is steeped in culture.
Show less of commentAmira
Community Member 2 months agoi wish tickets would be cheaper for residents for museums and some attractions.
Hanousha
Community Member 2 months agoI am lucky enough to have an active interest and career experience in the arts. I understand the benefit and value of it and pass that down to my child too. I do however have an extended family who do not engage much in the arts and this is...
Show full commentI am lucky enough to have an active interest and career experience in the arts. I understand the benefit and value of it and pass that down to my child too. I do however have an extended family who do not engage much in the arts and this is for very typical reasons such as:
Cost of attending cultural events - theatre and music events are prohibitively expensive especially for families with more than one child. The discounts available such as group discounts for example are either time consuming to find or at inconvenient times such as only Mon-Thurs at 19.30 which is a school night.
Lack of representation within the artistic activities - people don’t see other people like them on stage or engaging in these activities so don’t consider them as an option.
The lack of available activities in Greater London and the lack of marketing to relevant communities. Much of the time my family don’t even know these things are going on. More could be done by marketing to schools, kids clubs etc
Regular access to the arts should be compulsory in schools from the start in order to provoke curiosity and develop their experience in the arts. That way over the years you have people interested in working in the arts which in time creates better diversity and representation and thus builds wider audiences.
Show less of commentmustakpatas
Community Member 2 months agoThere are loads (museums and galleries( across the City. VisitLondon is a good source of information. Vagina Museum is a good bet because it hosts events and talks and you learn something new.