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Lepper calls on artists to celebrate 2012 Olympics

16 April 2009

David Lepper, Brighton Pavilion Labour and Co-operative MP, today called on artists in the city to help celebrate the Olympics and win a possible £500,000 commission from the Arts Council with the new project Artists taking the lead.

David said that Artists taking the lead "is a great opportunity to show the world the artistic talent of people in the south-east but people have to hurry as there are only seven weeks to go before the deadline."

The closing date for submitting ideas is 29 May and so far there have been eight applications from the south-east.

Twelve commissions of up to £500,000 will be awarded to create 12 new works of art across the country; one in each of the nine English regions, and in the nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The submitted ideas will be judged by panels in each of the nations and regions, made up of artists, the Creative Programmers (representatives of London 2012 outside the capital who help to shape the UK-wide cultural Olympiad), and an Arts Council representative.

Arts Council England expects to announce the shortlisted artists in July, and the final 12 commissions in October. The successful commissions will be developed across 2010 and 2011, and all 12 will take part in a final unifying celebration before the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

For further information see www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk