Organisers of Artists Taking the Lead have received 2,163 ideas for projects ranging from sculptures and new public landmarks to compositions, festivals, musicals and spectacular outdoor events.
 

The project aims to showcase British talent through 12 major commissions. Each of the winning artists will receive up to £500,000.

 

Moira Sinclair, the executive director of the Arts Council England in London, said: "I know the UK is a world leader in culture, but even so I'm bowled over by the number of unique and inspiring responses we've received. 

 

"They represent an enormous range of artists and artforms and really capture the spirit of this project, which is to see artists leading us in celebrating London 2012.

 

"I can't wait to see what's in store for each nation and region of the UK."

 

Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said: "The Cultural Olympiad is about making the most of London 2012 to inspire new artistic, as well as sporting, achievement.

 

"The huge response to this project gives a flavour of the great things to come."

 

Panels of artists across the UK are now in the process of judging the applications and choosing a shortlist for each of the nine English regions, and the nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

 

Arts Council England will announce the shortlisted projects in early August, followed by the final commissions in the Autumn.

 

Each of the 12 winning artists will receive up to £500,000, making this the largest commission fund for the Cultural Olympiad.

 

For full details, see www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk.

 

Read about Roald Bradstock's entry here.