Each of England's Regions, outside of London, has appointed a Creative Programmer who will be based in the Regional Cultural Consortium and will:

 

· Encourage and enable arts and cultural bodies to get involved, and create opportunities for ordinary people to take part,

 

· Become a dynamic link between the regions and London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

 

· Assess whether local projects meet the criteria to become part of the Cultural Olympiad, and

 

· Ensure that each region's heritage is as well represented as its 21st century technology.

 

Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge said: "The Cultural Olympiad in the run up to 2012 gives us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the culture and creativity of our country.

 

"Thanks to the appointment of Creative Programmers in the Regions, our vision to put on a UK-wide celebration of the UK's cultural life as part of the Cultural Olympiad is now a step closer.

 

"The Creative Programmers will bring about a package of innovative regional activity, helping to make a real and lasting difference.

 

"They will bring a wealth of experience and energy to making this a unique celebration of cultural life across the UK."

 

Olivia Grant, Chair of Chairs for the Regional Cultural Consortiums said: "London won the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games in part because of its promise to deliver an event that would be of benefit to the whole of UK.

 

"The four year Cultural Olympiad will play a crucial role in turning that vision into a reality, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for the whole country to celebrate its rich and diverse cultural heritage.

 

"Hosted by and working closely with the Regional Cultural Consortiums in each English region, the Creative Programmers will deliver a comprehensive cultural programme for each region that will inspire and motivate a whole new generation. As well as promoting the cultural life of each region locally, nationally and internationally, this important work will be critical in ensuring that the 2012
Olympics creates a lasting legacy that is experienced the length and breadth of the country."

 

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe welcomed the new appointments and said: "The Cultural Olympiad is a vital component of our vision for the Games - and, given it starts after the closing ceremony in Beijing, the first tangible sign that the Games will be coming to London in 2012.

 

"We welcome our new creative programmers to the 2012 family - their role will be vital in shaping the Cultural Olympiad and making it vibrant, exciting and relevant to everyone across the UK. I know
our Culture, Ceremonies and Education team here at London 2012 are looking forward to working with them in the years ahead."

 

Bill Morris, Director of Culture, Ceremonies and Education outlined how the Creative Programmers will work with the team.

 

He said: "We welcome the creative programmers to the team.

 

"One of the most important aspects of the Cultural Olympiad is the fact that it can happen in many shapes and forms and across the length and breadth of the UK.

 

"The Creative Programmers will be able to help us shape events and initiatives across the country - crucially they can bring with them local knowledge and help create a programme that will genuinely celebrate the whole of the UK and its diverse cultures."

 

Northern Ireland has appointed a Cultural Programmer. Wales have appointed an interim Creative Programmer, and Scotland is currently considering what arrangements would best fit their plans to
participate in the Cultural Olympiad. London is looking to put in place a framework for developing the Cultural Olympiad on a city-wide basis.