Cultural Olympiad – legacy?

A great demonstration of urban arts and technically spectacular performances. Working alongside Telford and Wrekin council, we launched one of the ten national three-year pathfinder programmes entitled Find Your Talent. Project 360 was a spectacular urban arts revolution performed to a live audience of  thousands.It was linked to to the work we were developing as part of the cultural olympiad and was a leading catalyst in opening opportunities for young people to access a wider programme of cultural activities. Delivered through Telford Culture Zone,(one of the first casualties of the last election outcome) it symbolised hope, aspiration and the rights of young people ( including those in disadvantaged communities) to participate and enjoy arts & cultural activities.

This event and the pre and post event workshops responded to to the needs of local communities and helped them come together and participate in high quality cultural activities. Its a shame to to be reading that after the build up and fantastic success of many aspects of the cultural olympiad, many local authorities are announcing the brutal cuts enforced upon them that undermine the arts and cultural activities and in some cases doing away with arts & cultural activities altogether. This can only damage communities and in particular the young people are the heart of them. As artists and creatives we have to make sure we don’t internalise or accept the current persuasive negativity and insist upon freedom to create and express creativity. What we do has never been about money and we can always find ways to inspire, raise debate and make sure young people access and exercise their right to arts & culture.