More than 2,000 artists line up for the Olympics
Arty side of the London 2012 Olympics gets underway as artists apply for Cultural Olympiad
3 June 2009
Artists are queuing up to take part in a £5.4million arts project as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
Organisers of Artists Taking the Lead have received 2,163 ideas for projects ranging from sculptures and new public landmarks to compositions, festivals, musicals and spectacular outdoor events.
The project aims to showcase British talent through 12 major commissions to be awarded in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and nine English regions.
Moira Sinclair, executive director of Arts Council England, London, said: "I know the UK is a world leader in culture, but even so I'm bowled over by the number of unique and inspiring responses we've received.
"They represent an enormous range of artists and art forms and really capture the spirit of this project, which is to see artists leading us in celebrating London 2012. I can't wait to see what's in store for each nation and region of the UK."
London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said: "The Cultural Olympiad is about making the most of London 2012 to inspire new artistic, as well as sporting, achievement.
"The huge response to this project gives a flavour of the great things to come."
Each of the 12 winning artists will receive up to £500,000. The shortlisted projects are to be announced in August with confirmation of the final commissions to be made by the autumn.
They will be developed across 2010 and 2011, and all 12 will be included in a celebration before the opening of the London 2012 Olympics.
The project was launched in April.
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