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1 May 2009

Artists of all kinds from across the UK are being challenged to use the nation as a blank canvas for twelve inspirational commissions that will showcase our creativity to the world, as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

 

Artists taking the lead is the most ambitious and wide ranging art prize in the UK and is being developed by Arts Council England, in partnership with London 2012 and the arts councils of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The challenge is for artists to come up with 12 events to take place in 12 locations around the UK, and any art form will be considered, including music. The submitted ideas will be judged by panels in each of the nations and regions, made up of artists, the Creative Programmers, and an Arts Council representative.

Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Chairman commented:
'The Cultural Olympiad harks back to the beginnings of the modern Olympic movement, when artists as well as athletes competed for medals. Artists taking the lead invokes this spirit, celebrating the unique talents of our artists and giving them the opportunity to create work inspired by London 2012 and the Olympic spirit.'

Arts Council England expects to announce the shortlisted artists in July 2009, and the final twelve commissions in October 2009. The successful commissions will be developed across 2010 and 2011, and all twelve will take part in a final unifying celebration before the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

For further information see the Artists taking the lead website.

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