Newham’s new Cultural Passport gives disadvantaged young people free or low‑cost access to creative, cultural and sports events, opening opportunities and boosting confidence for their future.
Newham’s most disadvantaged youngsters are to get free and low-cost access to some of London and the UK’s most exciting creative opportunities with the launch of what is thought to be the capital’s first Cultural Passport.
The initiative, which goes live from today (Friday 13), will open artistic, creative and heritage events to young people supported by the borough’s Children and Young People’s Services.
The launch took place at The Last Days of Pompeii Immersive Exhibition at Immerse LDN, where the Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, joined a group of young people from the Council’s Youth Empowerment Services to explore the exhibition and met cultural partners from FKP Scorpio Entertainment, Immerse LDN, and Excel London.
The Cultural Passport is available to 11–18-year-olds, and up to 25 for young people with SEND, who are attached to Newham’s Children and Young People’s Services. Developed in partnership with Ticket Bank, the initiative will enable young people and their families or carers to take part in a wide range of cultural, arts, and entertainment events that may otherwise be financially out of reach.
Among the types of events that will be on offer will be:
- MCM Comic Con: The twice-yearly fan festival a fan emphasising comic books and comic book culture, in which comic book fans gather to meet creators, experts, and each other
- Elvis Evolution: A brand new, first of its kind experience, celebrating the life and work of Elvis Presley. Combining cutting-edge digital technology, live actors and musicians, mind-blowing multimedia and heart-pounding music.
- Women’s Super League 2: Dive into Women’s Super League 2 and follow all the drama, skill, and excitement from the women’s football game’s most competitive rising league.
The launch forms part of Newham’s commitment to widening participation in culture and delivering the ambitions set out in the Newham Growth Plan and the borough’s 15-year Cultural Strategy.
It aims to remove financial and other barriers to cultural engagement, ensuring that young people in the borough can benefit from high-quality cultural experiences and help them explore culture, grow in confidence and imagine new possibilities for their future - including careers in the creative industries.
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: "In Newham, we believe that the spark of creativity should never be limited by a person’s background or their bank balance. That’s why today’s launch is a significant milestone in our Building a Fairer Newham mission. We are delivering on a vital promise to our children and young people: free access to culture via the Newham Cultural Passport. Available to every young person aged 10–18 supported by the Council’s Children and Young People services during this first phase, including those up to 25-years old with SEND needs.
“This isn't just about free access; it’s about equity, inspiration, and unleashing the boundless potential of our youth. By opening the doors to world-class exhibitions, performances, and creative experiences, we are empowering the next generation to grow in confidence and see themselves as the leaders of the creative industries. This initiative is a cornerstone of our Building Newham’s Creative Future strategy and our Newham Growth Plan, ensuring that the young people of Newham are the ones driving the culture and prosperity of our borough’s future.”
Lily, young person user of LB Newham’s Shipman Youth Zone said: “Learning from a slideshow isn’t the same as seeing things in real life. The Cultural Passport will give young people the chance to experience culture first-hand and meet people who can inspire our futures, learn new things and even discover careers we hadn’t thought about before.”
Jack Neville, Managing Director, The Ticket Bank said: "We’re really proud to be working with Newham to help more young people access the incredible arts and cultural experiences happening across London and the UK. Too often, the cost of going out means that gigs, theatre, festivals, and live events are simply out of reach for many families. Through this partnership, we can remove that barrier and make sure young people in Newham have the chance to experience the joy, inspiration, and sense of belonging that live culture can bring."
James Cassidy, President of FKP Scorpio Entertainment said: "It’s a pleasure to host young people from Newham and Newham Council for the launch of the Cultural Passport here at The Last Days of Pompeii Exhibition at Immerse LDN, Excel Waterfront. Helping young people to access and explore culture, enjoy it, and imagine new possibilities for their future is an important ambition we’re proud to support.”
