Details have been published of planned commissions and development sites for art in the public realm around Stratford, East London, to coincide with the 2012 Olympics. Around 25 commissions are currently proposed or in development, and more money will be spent on art in the public realm in Stratford than in the whole of the rest of London in the run-up to the Games. Stakeholders including the Olympic Delivery Authority, Docklands Light Railway, Art on the Underground, London Development Agency, the London Borough of Newham, Westfield and Lend Lease are partnering in a range of public art projects aimed at supporting the developments on the Olympic Park, but also at lifting the image of Stratford as a destination for visitors. Public art will contribute towards making the High Street area feel more attractive, welcoming and safe, and improving the Olympic Marathon route, which passes through some of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in London.
