Tracey Emin joins London mayor in backing art campaign

Tracey Emin said it was important children accepted art in their lives

London's children are being urged to "unleash their creative talents" as part of a campaign backed by mayor Boris Johnson and artist Tracey Emin.

Around 100 schools in London will be taking part in Children's Art Day, to take up activities ranging from painting to sculpture.

Boris Johnson said he hoped it would help youngsters to express themselves and "better appreciate works of art".

Children's Day, which starts on Tuesday, will run until 18 July.

Schools, libraries, youth and community groups, galleries and museums are hosting a variety of activities aimed at inspiring young people.

"The art gallery can be a place for a really good day out," said artist Tracey Emin.

"People can experience art in all different kinds of ways and all different kinds of levels. The earlier children go to an art gallery the more they accept art into their lives.'

Last month, research by the registered charity Creativity, Culture & Education found that one in five parents said their child had not had access to cultural activity in the past year.

It argued that culture and the arts were essential for strong and stable families.