Seb Coe, chair of LOCOG, says: "Our Cultural Olympiad will widen the experience of 2012 beyond sports participation. It will enable those with talents in other areas to share the magic of having the Olympic and Paralympic Games in their own country."

The aims of the Cultural Olympiad are to:

  • Leave a lasting legacy that improves cultural life in the UK
  • Encourage involvement from communities across the UK
  • Showcase excellence in the performing arts and creative industries
  • Introduce young people to the UK's many artistic communities and those from around the world
  • Promote London as a major cultural capital
  • Heighten economic regeneration and encourage tourism in the UK through the work of the creative industries

The Cultural Olympiad began in September 2008 with an Open Weekend featuring 655 events including festivals, arts performances, free films, music performances and workshops. It will continue until the final few days before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games on 27th July 2012

A series of major projects, and hundreds of smaller ones, are already under way. Each encourages participation and celebrates the many cultures that make up the UK. The aim is to inspire audiences and bring about lasting change.  

In July Tony Hall, Chief Executive at the Royal Opera House was announced as the Chair of the Cultural Olympiad Board. The Board will oversee the Cultural Olympiad programme and the first founding member is Jude Kelly, who is joined by Alan Davey, Vicky Heywood, Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Munira Mirza, Mark Thomson and Sir Nicholas Serota.

To find out more see: http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/cultural-olympiad/index.php