New scheme to give children free arts and culture trips

A new government scheme will give children free access to a wide range if cultural activities, including trips to theatres and galleries.

Speaking at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Culture Secretary Karen Bradley addressed the issue of unequal access to arts across the UK and focussed on the fact that people from disadvantaged backgrounds are under represented in the artistic professions.

The new scheme looks to address this equality and encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to realise that arts and culture is just as much for them as everyone else.

The Cultural Citizens Programme was first announced by then Prime Minister David Cameron in January 2016 and will be led by Arts Council England, with support from Historic England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Pilots will begin in September in Liverpool and will give up to 600 disadvantaged young people the chance to visit local plays, behind the scenes access to museums and galleries, and exclusive trips to world class venues.