Crossing the Line - Extending Young People's Access to Cultural Venuesby John Pick Hartand and Kay Kinder (eds) It is a sad indictment of society when research concludes that a wide-range of young people remain outside - excluded from - cultural opportunities. More distressing still is the observation that many more choose to be excluded. "Baggy and sad" was the description given to an evening of classical music by one 17 year old in 'Crossing the Line', a research report which unpicks the issues surrounding low attendance of young people at cultural venues. The report makes fascinating, albeit depressing reading in that it reveals very conclusively and emphatically, why the arts are failing to attract young audiences. A thorough and well referenced review of the existing research and literature about young people's relationships with cultural institutions sets the framework for the report, which goes on to illustrate recent initiatives - and in particular marketing and programming strategies - designed to encourage young people's attendance at a wide range of art forms. Primary research amongst 20 young people aged 14-18 is also reported, and this section successfully teases out the key factors which accounted for different levels of attendance amongst the sample. Two main considerations for cultural inclusion are put forward in conclusion. The first - that cultural venues should do more to ensure that young people are at ease - seems somewhat simplistic. The second is more interesting and certainly more challenging. The authors suggest the development of 'Cultural Mentors' older or more informed individuals who would offer a positive role model of attendance at cultural venues. Would this work in practice? I wonder. It's difficult to imagine youth icons like David Beckham in this role.
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