A TRIO of public art consultants have been hired to investigate cultural opportunities for Weymouth and Portland.

The investigation will involve freelance arts experts quizzing groups and clubs about the designs they'd like to see in the borough as part of the 2012 Olympics celebrations.

The three posts are funded by not-for-profit organisation the Weymouth and Portland Partnership, with contributions from 10 regional and local partners.

But a date is still to be set for when the art - designed to complement the borough as a 2012 Olympics site - will appear.

Consultant Mererid Velios said three investigators were required because an internal document detailing results from the consultation was due by the end of November.

She added: "It's quite a tight deadline.

"A lot of project plans for Weymouth and Portland have already started."

Ms Velios, who is based in Cardiff, will visit the borough at least once a week alongside fellow consultants Geoff Wood and Simon Fenoulhet.

She said: "At the moment we haven't been given a budget for the consultation.

"We don't know how much the funding will be as we're still researching.

"Public art is site specific and we have to find out what the right project will be for Weymouth and Portland."

Alan Rogers, the partnership's arts development officer, said the artwork was likely to resemble the theme where the land meets the sea'.

He added: "There's a perception that public art has to be a big sculpture like the Angel of the North, but we could be looking at a series of work."

This could be anything ranging from small designs or installations to a big collaboration with an architect, he said.

Residents will be asked what kind of art they think will reflect and celebrate the distinctive character of the borough.

The artwork should make reference to the area's Jurassic coastline, the consultants' brief says. The study will also look at how new public art can create a legacy in Weymouth and Portland extending beyond 2012.

Ms Velios added: "I think it will be great to have some new public art. Apart from the historical statues there's not much here.

"The proposals developed in the art strategy will aim to show the world that this is a culturally vibrant place moving confidently into the 21st century."

Groups wishing to discuss their views with the consultants should contact Alan Rogers on 01305 208708.