London 2012 Cultural Olympiad
The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic Games. Spanning four years from September 2008 to the last day of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, it has been designed to give everyone in the country a chance to be part of London 2012, inspiring creativity across all forms of culture, especially amongst young people. The aim is to make a real impact which will leave a lasting legacy.
The culmination of the Cultural Olympiad will be the London 2012 Festival, bringing leading artists from all over the world together from 21 June 2012 in this UK-wide festival – a chance for everyone to celebrate London 2012 through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film and digital innovation and leave a lasting legacy for the arts in this country.
London 2012 Ceremonies
London 2012 Ceremonies Ltd is a stand-alone company that has been set up to produce the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A huge cast of volunteer performers is being recruited, as well as volunteer helpers. Voluntary Arts has publicised these opportunities and will publicise any more that arise.
In addition to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, there will be over 100 Team Welcome Ceremonies to welcome the athletes and team officials to the Games and 805 Victory Ceremonies. The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain will create and perform the Team Welcome Ceremonies.
Further Reading
1. Seven reasons to get involved in the Cultural Olympiad
2. Once in a Lifetime Briefings
(please note: content was current at time of time going to press but may be out of date when you read the Briefings)
- Briefing 6 – the final run-in to the Games
- Briefing 5 – get involved locally
- Briefing 4 – seven ways to take part
- Briefing 3 – what are you inspired to do?
- Briefing 2 – how to apply for your project to be part of the Cultural Olympiad
- Briefing 1 – how to get involved in the UK wide Cultural Festival