Artists, musicians, writers, sculptors and creative people of all kinds have been invited to propose new works which draw their inspiration from London 2012. There will be 12 major commissions – one in each of the English regions and one in each of the other nations.
At yesterday’s launch event, the Jerwood Space could hardly cope with the numbers who came to find out more. Was it the current economic climate that makes such good financial news rare, or the excitement generated by the first launch of one of the Cultural Olympiad’s major projects (or in reality a mixture of the two) that resulted in standing room only?
Nitin Sawney was already starting to dream of multi-media works and new collaborations, whilst even Grayson Perry was working hard to maintain a trade mark sceptisim. Moira Sinclair, who leads on London 2012 projects for Arts Council England, made a passionate case for investment in the arts and excellence in tough financial times; Seb Coe reminded us all that London’s bid for the Games was rooted in the marriage of sport and art.
So, think hard about what great sporting or artistic moment first shook you to the core, and will never leave your memory. And if you’re an artist of any kind rise to the challenge of creating something astonishing for London 2012.
My Olympics
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