London Ticket Bank to give free access to cultural events: “Art is a human right”

A new cultural program will be launched in London next year, offering free tickets to art exhibitions and cultural events to people on low incomes.

The London Ticket Bank will launch in January and distribute unsold tickets from hundreds of music, drama, comedy and dance events to those who cannot afford them.

In an interview with The Guardian, the head teacher of the project, Chris Sonnex, said that around 1,000 tickets will be given out per week when it is live.

He said: “Art is a human right. And the more pressure is put on people’s finances, the more art will be destroyed from them.”

“Great people are creating food banks and heating banks, but that doesn’t meet the basic needs of humanity from a psychological point of view,” he said.

The plan offers free and paid options, according to Sonnex: “People suffering from the cost of living need access to communities, entertainment and things that warm the soul as well. If people go to the theater, it will warm up for a while.” a few hours”.

Among those who have signed up so far are the Round House, the Barbican and the National Theatre, with more venues and organizations expected to join before the plan is launched.

A study by charity Help Musicians last month revealed that 91% of musicians can no longer afford to buy equipment, in what has been described as a “working costs crisis”.

The study paints a bleak picture for musicians in 2022, amid skyrocketing fuel and energy costs, double-digit inflation and an industry starting to feel the effects of Brexit, which raises the cost of overseas tours.

According to the charity, almost all musicians (98%) are worried about earning enough income in the next six months, with half “very” or “extremely” worried that their financial situation will force them out of the sector to leave.

Bands like Regressive Left and Porridge Radio have recently offered discounted tickets or guest list spots to fans who can’t afford their concerts.