Oyster card for the arts in Mayor's culture masterplan

The electronic pass would provide access to museums, theatres and sports centres for the elderly and children in care, and could eventually be extended to all schoolchildren.

It could be incorporated into a user's ordinary Oyster card, which would be swiped at the entrance to the venue.

The idea is set out as part of a wider strategy by Boris Johnson to boost London's cultural life.

His director of culture, Munira Mirza, said: "It's early days but we have this technology with Oyster cards and it would be great to use it. Potentially these passes could be given to schoolchildren and used for sport as well.

'We want young people to get every opportunity to experience culture, to understand it, and to know it is for them. We want to encourage everyone to participate. It shouldn't be that people think the National Gallery is just for middle-class white people.

"There is a perception that cultural exhibits and events are too expensive but we want to readdress that. A lot of places are working very hard on reducing admission prices."

However, Mr Johnson will cut back on the number of events in Trafalgar Square, arguing it should be available as a tourist attraction or for "only the highest quality cultural and community events". His strategy is detailed in the report Cultural Metropolis. Other plans include:

●A £1.4 million 2012 cultural skills fund that will give grants of up to £50,000 so arts groups can capitalise on opportunities presented by the Olympics.

●A programme of events called The Story Of London, to be held in June, which will celebrate the past, present and future of the capital. There would be history re-enactments and one-offs such as Victorian tea-parties held in period houses.

●A musical instruments amnesty, backed by cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber, is under way, asking Londoners to pledge old instruments to young learners.

●London Film Day, which will offer screenings and events next year.

Mr Johnson said: "I want to maintain the capital's status as one of the great world cities for creativity. 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.

"I want to see better access and provision for people in outer boroughs, where it can be very patchy. And we must capitalise on the opportunities offered by the 2012 Games to create a cultural legacy."

He has promised to continue some schemes backed by his predecessor Ken Livingstone, including Art On The Underground and Poetry On The Underground. The Fourth Plinth project will continue with commissions by Antony Gormley and Yinka Shonibare. But there is no mention of erecting a statue of Battle of Britain hero Sir Keith Park.

The mayor said he would also continue to support major religious festivals and events such as Notting Hill Carnival, London Mela and Carnaval Del Pueblo in Peckham.

Key points of Boris's blueprint

Arts "Oyster card"

Electronic pass giving free or discounted entry to venues such as museums, theatres, and leisure centres.

2012 cultural skills fund

A total of £1.4 million in small grants to arts groups to ensure cultural legacy of the Olympics.

The story of London

Series of events celebrating the history, present and future of the capital.

Musical Instruments amnesty

Londoners urged to hand in their unused instruments so they can be distributed to young learners.

London film day

Events and screenings.

Cutback on use of Trafalgar Square for events

But keep the Fourth Plinth commissions.

More access to the arts in the outer boroughs