Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has unveiled a three-year strategy designed to enhance arts and culture in the capital.

Cultural Metropolis – The Mayor's Priorities for Culture 2009-2012 outlines a number of proposals, including better provision for residents outside the centre of London, as well as cutting red tape to support grassroots talent. Among plans to improve access to the arts is the London Film Day initiative, which will see film screenings and events taking place at a range of London venues in 2009. Funding has also been earmarked for the London Jazz Festival in order to enable it to put on performances in outer boroughs.

An amnesty of musical instruments, supported by Julian Lloyd-Webber, has also been launched with the aim of encouraging older Londoners to donate old instruments to young people in order to promote music education. Johnson said: "My job is not to back heritage over modernism, nor to allow the destruction of much-loved old buildings. It is to encourage all manner of artistic expression, in the knowledge that culture is not just an add-on to the necessity of modern politics.

"We must capitalise on the opportunities by the 2012 Games to create a cultural legacy for all Londoners." The launch of Johnson's publication coincided with the first meeting of the London Cultural Strategy Group. The group, chaired by Iwona Blazwick, director of Whitechapel Art Gallery, includes a number of key figures from the arts and culture sector who will advise the Mayor on developing plans for culture in the capital.

Blazwick said: "The Cultural Metropolis plan offers a wealth of ideas to nurture and enhance artistic excellence. I want us to maximise the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that 2012 will bring and to see improved access to culture right across the capital."