Get ready for the amazing Olympiad (From Dorset Echo)

Get ready for the amazing Olympiad

12:34pm Wednesday 20th August 2008 in

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WEYMOUTH and Portland is braced for an arts explosion.

An array of festivals, events and public art opportunities are being lined up to showcase what the area has to offer as part of the 2012 Olympics.

Arrangements are being made for the Cultural Olympiad, a four year celebration which starts next month.

Weymouth and Portland arts development officer Alan Rogers believes it is the biggest opportunity for the resort since King George III dipped his toe in the sea more than 200 years ago.

Funding is available from the Arts Council and other bodies to develop legacy events but also to enable art to be incorporated into the built environment, including the Pavilion redevelopment, Esplanade revamp and relief road.

The thinking is that public art should be seen as an integral part of regeneration to give a strong sense of identity to a place.

A new-look community carnival with contributions from all over the South West including Bridgwater, a medieval mystery pageant touring the region and ending in Weymouth and a 'digital arena' at the Nothe are among some of the projects under discussion.

There are also investigations into incorporating art into the Jurassic Coast brand with a musical project and a celebration of Portland stone.

Many of the ideas are contained in a Public Art Commissioning Plan which has just been published.

The launch of the Cultural Olympiad over the weekend of September 26-28 will be marked in the borough by a spectacular Inside Out theatre performance on a clifftop near Bowleaze, a dance and musical performances on the seafront and a multi-media festival using public spaces called B-Side.

"I have been in post exactly a year now and it's been a frenetic 12 months, but we are now on the verge on something quite amazing," Mr Rogers said.

He added: "It's not just about the games, it's about showing the world something of our culture and that's an opportunity to regenerate many aspects of the borough. The effects will be felt long after the games have finished.

"The Arts Council is looking to make a big investment in Weymouth and Portland."

He said the Cultural Olympiad will give a chance for creative people of all ages to shine.

The Cultural Olympiad grew out of a thinking that the Olympics is a wedding of sport and art. In fact medals were awarded for art, sculpture, literature and music up until 1948.

Mr Rogers said: "The past year has been a pilot where we've been testing out ideas.

"I feel passionately about the place and want to help it grow and develop. Before coming to Weymouth I worked in Italy and people say to me now: 'Why did you leave?' But I think the opportunities here are much more exciting."

Mr Rogers welcomes suggestions and ideas. He can be contacted on 01305 208708 or email: alan_rogers@weymouth.ac.uk