2012 Olympics offers ?once in a generation opportunity? for the arts
A range of cultural events will run alongside the London Olympic Games in 2012, culminating in a World Cultural Festival. The Festival will comprise major events in Cardiff, Glasgow and London on the theme of ?exploring internationalism?. In line with all other aspects of London?s bid, the cultural events will emphasise the ethnic diversity of the city. Jude Kelly, Director of Culture, Education and the Arts for London 2012, said that the plans constituted ??broad, big, bold ideas under which smaller ideas can cluster.?
Specific events planned include ceremonies to mark the opening and closing of the Games inspired by Britain?s maritime heritage, a month-long Olympic Proms to coincide with the Games, and a five-day Olympic Carnival between the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare?s Globe will host a series of international productions and London museums will stage exhibitions of world art. There will also be concerts, exhibitions and performances in Victoria and Hyde Parks as well as the Olympic village. Plans are also being made for the conversion of some of the Olympic facilities into a London Olympic Institute to provide a sporting and cultural hub in the East End of London.
A festival of universal youth, which in the words of the bid is designed to ?uphold Baron Pierre de Coubertin?s philosophy of Olympism? will take place in 2012 and cultural events will all be underscored with the intention of redefining Britain?s ?relationship to world cultures and celebrate London?s new role as Host City.? A total of $30m has been set aside for cul-ture in the official budget ? with an additional $50m for the opening and closing ceremonies. Jude Kelly said, ?This is a once in a generation opportunity for the arts and we have a responsibility to remain idealistic in bringing the right for young people to access the arts and sport.?
The acceptance of London?s bid to host the Games was greeted with cautious enthusiasm by Britain?s arts community. In a statement, Peter Hewitt, Chief Executive of Arts Council England said, ?The Games? Cultural Festival will showcase the breadth of the UK?s artistic talent to an international audience and contribute to the valuable legacy of the London Games.? However, the National Campaign for the Arts warned, ?none of this will be possible without recognition from Olympic planners that the arts have something important to offer.?
The Government now plans to introduce an Olympic Bill to establish a specific Olympic Lottery. However, concerns have been voiced about the impact this will have on the good causes, including the arts, that currently benefit from Lottery cash. Last year, a government select committee described plans to divert Lottery funds to the Olympics as a ?straightforward raid? and warned that this could become ?a huge potential drain on all the existing good causes.? In its corporate plan, the Big Lottery Fund warns ?the substitution effect of the Olympic Lottery is estimated to reduce funds going to the good causes by £144m over the lifetime of the existing licence [which runs out in 2009]?.