Boris Johnson yesterday criticised the “dumbing down” of culture for young people, saying that they should be targeted with opera and ballet as well as hip-hop music and movies.

The Mayor of London's strategy to promote culture in the capital says that the young are often patronised by the presumption that they will only like art that they can immediately relate to.

Mr Johnson calls on arts chiefs to provide a wider variety of cultural opportunities for young people.

His cultural document, Cultural Metropolis, says: “Working class students may be steered towards popular culture like hip-hop, new media and film, on the basis that they will find older art forms like opera or ballet irrelevant. This approach patronises young people and limits their horizons.

“Art and music have the capacity to enrich young people's lives. They stimulate curiosity, imagination and interest in the world. Getting stuck in to all forms of artistic endeavour gives young people a sense of discipline, develops self-respect and inculcates valuable skills and knowledge.”

In a bid to nurture the next generation of artists and musicians, and to widen audiences, the mayor is also considering introducing an “Oyster card for the arts”. The electronic swipe pass would give free or cheap entry to museums, theatres and sports centres.

Mr Johnson will also encourage more young people to learn a musical instrument,and called on Londoners to give away their unused instruments.

Munira Mirza, director of culture policy, said: “We want young people to get every opportunity to experience culture, to understand it, and to know it is for them.

“We passionately believe that we must not patronise them but rather help them to understand and experience great art in all its variety: from western classical music to Latin American jazz; from paintings by old masters to new media installations by contemporary artists.”

More than 15 million overseas tourists come to London each year together with 10 million domestic visitors and 150 million day trippers. Seven out of 10 say that the culture on offer influenced their decision to visit the capital.

West End theatres attracted more than 13 million visitors last year and generated revenue of £1.5 billion.

Mr Johnson said: “There are tough times ahead, but I am committed to helping the cultural sector cope. For it to flourish and for people to be creative, we need to be brave with funding and bold in our vision.”

He will also support a showcase called “The Story of London”, a season of events to be held next year to celebrate the capital's past, present and future.

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