The Stage

Creative programmers to involve regions in Cultural Olympiad

Published Tuesday 17 April 2007 at 14:55 by Nuala Calvi

Regional representatives are to be assigned around the UK to encourage arts organisations to take part in the Cultural Olympiad.

Each of the eight regions outside the capital will have a creative programmer to ensure that their area is properly represented in the event and to provide a link with London’s 2012 organising committee.

The programmers will be given responsibility for assessing whether local projects meet the criteria to become part of the Cultural Olympiad, which consists of the opening and closing ceremonies, special bid projects and a UK-wide cultural festival alongside the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The National Campaign for the Arts welcomed the development, but called for more details about how the projects would be funded.

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said programmers would “advise and signpost” the cultural sector on possible sources of public and private finance, but would not source funds for specific organisations.

Meanwhile, London Councils Leaders’ Committee has agreed to provide £300,000 a year for cultural projects linked to the Cultural Olympiad.

Twelve organisations have been recommended for grants, including Polka Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre and London Bubble Theatre Company, and a decision will be taken next week.