BORIS Johnson’s arts advisor is heading to the East End tonight to start public consultations into the cultural strategy for the 2012 Olympics year when London is in the world spotlight. Munira Mirza is at Whitechapel’s Toynbee Hall for the consultation event

By Mike Brooke

BORIS Johnson's arts advisor is heading to the East End tonight to start public consultations into the cultural strategy for the 2012 Olympics year when London is in the world spotlight.

Munira Mirza, who has the Mayor's ear on arts and culture, is at Whitechapel's Toynbee Hall for the consultation event with the London Voluntary Services Council.

It follows the draft Cultural Metropolis strategy which highlights concerns about bureaucratic regulations and the confusing range of 'initiatives' which he says burden the art world and creative industries, especially during the recession.

Boris said: "We have an opportunity with 2012 just around the corner to show London to the world.

"There is much to celebrate about what London has to offer, despite fears about the recession."

It is estimated that a million spectators will visit the Olympic stadium in East London during the Games, with four billion around the world watching on television. Millions more tourists will visit London throughout 2012.

The Mayor now wants Londoners' views online to his Cultural Metropolis to make sure London maintains its position as a world culture centre.