The Cultural Olympiad is the four-year cultural programme of activites supporting the 2012 Olympics and is seen as a unique opportunity for museums, libraries and archives to develop fresh approaches - and as a catalyst for the sector to renew their relationships with their audiences.
Stories of the World is being led by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) in partnership with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). It aims to use the sector's rich collections to tell stories of the world and its people, and explore past, present and future relationships between the world and the UK.
Young people, diverse communities and disabled people will be at the core of the scheme, which will reinterpret existing collections and develop innovative new exhibitions and online resources.
“I was involved in the initial discussions to shape the concept for Stories of the World," said Liz. "I now relish the opportunity to bring it to fruition and to ensure that we not only put on a great show for 2012, but also to leave a lasting benefit for the museums, library and archive sector and for the public."
Working with partners from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, MLA has identified four organisations to begin a key campaign of consultation with young people over the summer.
London’s Horniman Museum, Sheffield Museums and Galleries, Plymouth Museum and Record Office and the Burrell Collection in Glasgow will work with the NYA (National Youth Agency) to consult with a diverse and inclusive range of young people in their local communities.
The Board will use this work to develop the criteria for selecting which museums, libraries and archives will be project partners. The recruitment for this will run from September to December 2008, with a formal programme launch early in 2009.
The Cultural Olympiad will celebrate diverse cultures across the UK and will start over the weekend of 26-28 September 2008, running right through to the end of the Games in 2012.
For information on the Cultural Olympiad or how you can get involved go to www.london2012.com/beinspired.
