The 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are not just about sport. They will offer a unique opportunity for the British people to engage with and participate in a major cultural celebration.
From the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Games, the UK will commence its "Cultural Olympiad", a developing, four-year period of cultural activity designed to celebrate the Olympic spirit throughout the UK.
The Cultural Olympiad will showcase British talent and innovation and will reflect the key themes of the London 2012 Games:
- Celebrating London and the whole of the UK welcoming the world
- Inspiring and involving young people
- Generating a positive legacy
It will inspire people around the country to participate in a range of cultural activities, which will reflect and celebrate the diverse communities which make up London and the UK.
Latest News
London 2012 outlines vision for Cultural Olympiad
On 21 June 2007, Tessa Jowell spoke to over 500 cultural organisations at the Royal Festival Hall where LOCOG announced plans and the structure for the Cultural Olympiad.
Tessa Jowell, along with Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, spoke of the opportunities that the Cultural Olympiad offers.
Christina Coker, Chief Executive of Youth Music announced an investment of £9 million towards youth-inspired and youth-led music making. Dugald Mackie, chair of the newly formed Legacy Trust, indicated their commitment to work with LOCOG to develop projects that could be part of the Cultural Olympiad.
top
Culture and the Olympic ideal
On 15 May 2007, the Secretary of State delivered a speech on Culture and the Olympic ideal at St Georges Hall, Liverpool.
top
London 2012 Culture E-Newsletter
For the latest on the London 2012 Culture programme, you can subscribe to receive the latest news from the Culture, Ceremonies and Eductaion Team of the London 2012 Organising Committee.
Creative Programmers
On 26 September 2007, Margaret Hodge announced the appointment of Creative Programmers, in each of the English regions outside of London, to take forward plans for an inspiring Cultural Olympiad in the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
These will create, validate and shape a package of high-quality, accesible and innovative cultural activity across the UK. Based in the regional cultural consortiums, and working with key regional partners and stakeholders, their work will contribute mainly to the Tier Three (UK-wide festival) of the cultural Olympiad. For further information on the Creative Programmers and the three tiers of the Cultural Olympiad see the full press announcement.
top
The Culture and Creativity Advisory Forum (CCAF)
The Culture and Creativity Advisory Forum was announced by Tessa Jowell on 6 April 2006.
The role of the forum is to advise and support the Government in developing the cultural programme for the 2012 Olympics and ensuring a lasting cultural legacy.
