Cultural Olympiad

This year we are launching an exciting new two-year Cultural Olympiad programme to celebrate Plymouth’s culture and art, leading up to the 2012 Olympics.

A month-by-month programme will focus attention on organisations that contribute to the city’s rich cultural landscape. We aim to uncover the stories and celebrate the ‘behind the scenes’ of the people who work and volunteer, plus showcase the creativity of each organisation.

Raising awareness of those who inspire excellence and innovation in the arts, we aim to promote an open arena for engagement, participation and friendship.

The programme will uncover Plymouth’s unique history, heritage and cultural offer in recognition of the aim to become "one of Europe's finest, most vibrant waterfront cities, where an outstanding quality of life is enjoyed by everyone".

In 2011, the Open Weekend will bring together those organisations in an event to mark the year count down to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. We aim to mark the end of the Cultural Olympiad with a festival of narratives and stories from Plymouth and the World, promoting respect for diverse cultures, opinions and creative expression.

What is the Cultural Olympiad?

The Cultural Olympiad will help ensure the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are 'Everyone's 2012' by giving communities throughout the UK the opportunity to join in.

The aims of the Cultural Olympiad are to:

• encourage and welcome involvement from communities across the UK, including London
• leave a lasting legacy that improves cultural life
• showcase excellence in the performing arts and creative industries as well as sport
• 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
• incorporate the Olympic values of 'excellence, respect and friendship' and the Paralympic vision to 'empower, achieve, inspire'

Plymouth has joined the Cultural Olympiad with a series of events and projects leading up to the Olympics.

• Inspire excellence and innovation in the arts
• Create an open arena for engagement, participation and friendship
• Promote respect for diverse cultures, opinions and for oneself