Becoming part of the Cultural Olympiad

‘Sport has taught and given me so much – which is why I know that by broadening the opportunities that are coming through 2012, we can leave a legacy of cultural excellence in communities across our country.’
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Who to contact

Have an idea that fits with the values and vision of the Cultural Olympiad? Contact your Creative Programmer.

We’ve always said we want the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to belong to the nation and to include all communities.

The Inspire programme

For the very first time at an Olympic or Paralympic Games, our Cultural Olympiad is offering communities a chance to join in through something called the Inspire programme

Not-for-profit organisations can submit applications to run programmes, events or activities. No matter whether they are large or small, the very best of these will be awarded the coveted Inspire mark which, subject to certain conditions, can be used on brochures, posters and websites to promote the project or event.

The Inspire mark will be awarded across many sectors, including sport, culture, education, environment and enterprise. Successful applicants will be those presenting outstanding, non-commercial projects that are truly inspired by the London 2012 Games.

Cultural projects that gain the Inspire mark will then become part of our Cultural Olympiad

Although the content of the projects will vary, all must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• only not-for-profit organisations can apply;
• you must have non-commercial funding and support;
• your project must start before 9 September 2012;
• your project must be mainly cultural;
• your project must meet the three core values and at least three of the seven themes set out in our Values and Themes section;
• your project must be inspired by the London 2012 Games and not from an existing piece of work. It must differ from the kind of work you normally do.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, you can submit an initial enquiry form to your local Creative Programmer (there are 10 in England and one each in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

Before you make this initial enquiry, please ensure you have the necessary financial support in place as LOCOG is not a funding body.

If you’re lucky enough to be awarded the Inspire mark, then your project or event will become part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. You will benefit from communications support, networking opportunities, and the chance to showcase your success as never before.

Creative Programmers

Got a great idea to be part of the Cultural Olympiad but don’t know where to go with it?

Think it reflects the Values and vision of the Cultural Olympiad and it’s just what we’re looking for?

If your answers are ‘yes’, then our network of Creative Programmers, or ‘CPs’ as we call them, can help.

There are nine regions in England and they have one Creative Programmer each, except for London which has two (one for the Five Host Boroughs of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the other for the rest of the capital). There’s also one Creative Programmer in each of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.