Most people want to see more ballet, says research

About 90% of the 1,000 respondents said they would aim to see more theatre, opera and exhibitions in 2004.

Only one in 10 went to the ballet or opera in 2003, despite research suggesting nearly 70% of UK citizens think they are "cultured".

The survey, for TV channel Artsworld, suggests people are put off cultural events by their cost and location.

About 40% of those questioned said they did not have enough time for the arts.

Those living in Greater London attend opera and ballet most often, whilst 40% of respondents in the east Midlands and Wales said they lacked arts knowledge.

Armchair arts

Artsworld channel director Katie Cole said television could bring culture to the masses.

"As a cultured nation it is clear that we are eager to experience the arts, yet for various reasons are unable to attend live performances.

"For those who want to be cultured but simply don't have the time, opera on the box is now a real alternative to a box at the opera," she said.

The government is also keen to make the arts more accessible and recently launched an internet initiative called Culture Online.

The projects include Webplay, which allows school children to direct a play online and ArtisanCam, a series of virtual artists' residencies which link artists in their studios with groups of school pupils.