Survey reveals nine in 10 young black people can’t afford tickets to events due to the cost-of-living crisis

A London charity has partnered with major UK cultural organisations to offer free tickets, including Picturehouse Cinemas and Royal Court Theatre.

Poetic Unity’s ‘No Cost in Giving’ Programme launches today and will provide young black and black mixed people, aged 12-30, the opportunity to enjoy the cultural highlights of London for free.

With the economic downturn and effects of the pandemic, young black people have been cut off from experiencing London’s best events. 

A new survey, commissioned by Poetic Unity, reveals nine out of 10 young black people that the charity supports have said the cost-of-living crisis has prevented them from attending events. 

This new initiative will bridge the cultural gap by offering free tickets to cinema, theatre shows, art galleries and cultural activities. 

As well as free tickets, Poetic Unity will host conversations and gatherings directly after activities to encourage discussion and connectivity between young people.

Ryan J. Matthews-Robinson, founder and chief executive of Poetic Unity, said:  “Growing up as a working-class mixed-race boy from Brixton, spaces such as theatres, museums, exhibitions, and other cultural activities weren’t accessible to me because of the cost or because I rarely saw people that looked like me, so I felt unwelcomed in those environments.

“It is still a problem for young black people today and this has been heightened due to the cost-of-living crisis.”

Poetic Unity has teamed up with Picturehouse Cinemas, The Royal Court Theatre, Theatre Peckham, We Are Parable, Streatham Space Project, Dark Matter Agency and South London Gallery to open their doors to young Black people so they can experience the richness of art and culture. 

Clare Binns, managing director, Picturehouse Cinemas, said:“Picturehouse is committed to making sure that everyone has access to film and cinema; to nourish and entertain.

“We are really happy to be building a relationship with an organisation that puts young people at the heart of its mission.” 

To find out more about the programme and how to access free tickets go to @PoeticUnity on Instagram or email: info@poeticunity.org.uk with the title – ‘No Cost in Giving’ Programme.

Pictured Top: A group of young people outside The Ritzy, Brixton to celebrate the launch of the ‘No Cost in Giving’ programme (Picture: Poetic Unity)