Arts Council England
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Artists taking the lead: five weeks to go
This week marks the half way point in the application stage of Artists taking the lead, the most ambitious and wide ranging art prize in the UK, developed by Arts Council England in partnership with London 2012 and the arts councils of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Artists of all kinds have been challenged to submit their big ideas for twelve inspirational commissions, one in each of the nine English regions, and in the nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
With up to £500,000* available for each project, this is the largest commission fund for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. (*See Notes to Editors for the value of commissions offered in each Nation and Region.)
Moira Sinclair, Executive Director, Arts Council England, London said: ‘We’re really excited by the number, range and quality of ideas coming in - we’ve had some from high profile names, but also some from artists just out of art school which is great. They span a huge range of artforms from theatrical events, feature films and performances to sculptures, musical compositions and installations. I can’t wait to see what surprising and extraordinary ideas the next five weeks brings.’
Artists have until Friday 29 May 2009 to submit their ideas online at www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk.
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 2009, and the final twelve commissions in October 2009. The successful commissions will be developed across 2010 and 2011, and all twelve will form part of a final unifying celebration before the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
For further information see www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
Artists taking the lead is one of the ten major projects of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Arts Council England is managing the project on behalf of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Scottish Arts Council and the Arts Council of Wales.
Twelve commissions will be awarded, one in each of the English regions, and the Nations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The value of the commissions awarded to the chosen artists will be:
Nine English regions £500,000 each
Northern Ireland £190,000
Scotland £460,000
Wales £230,000
For further information see http://www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk
For more information (media only) please contact:
Communications Officer, Vision 2012
t:020 7608 4149
e: sophie.woodward@artscouncil.org.uk
Arts Council England
Arts Council England works to get great art to everyone by championing, developing and investing in artistic experiences that enrich people’s lives.
As the national development agency for the arts, we support a range of artistic activities from theatre to music, literature to dance, photography to digital art, and carnival to crafts.
Great art inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves, and the world around us. In short, it makes life better.
Between 2008 and 2011, we will invest £1.3 billion of public money from government and a further £0.3 billion from the National Lottery to create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.