Unlimited, the UK's largest ever disability arts programme - set to transform the disability arts movement in the UK - has been launched by London 2012 as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, and opens for artists' entries today through www.london2012.com/unlimited
Unlimited is the result of a three year consultation process across the disability, arts and disability sports sectors. Unlimited provides the disability arts and cultural sector with an unparalleled opportunity to develop new work for the world stage.
The total project fund of £3m, provided principally by the Olympic Lottery Distributor, with additional funding and support from Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council England, the British Council, the Scottish Arts Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and London 2012, will:
- Enable talented disabled and deaf artists to create exciting, quality new work across all disciplines leading up to and including the Olympic and Paralympic Games with awards of £25-50,000 as part of Unlimited Commissions.
- Unlimited Presents will bring new audiences to disability arts through major pieces of new work showcased at arts festivals, venues and London 2012 events, building up to and including the Games.
- Provide resources and training to foster young talent and develop skills across the sector through Unlimited Talent, forging new partnerships between disability and mainstream arts organisations.
- Unlimited International will tour commissioned work internationally to help disseminate the power of creativity.
- Unlimited will leave a lasting legacy of high quality new work, increased confidence and momentum in the sector.
The £3m fund is split into two sections, half in a commissioning fund of £1.5m for new work which is believed to be the largest single investment in creative work by disabled artists. The second half of the programme will provide support to artists to develop their talent and skills and present their work to audiences in the UK and abroad.
Janet Paraskeva, Chair of the Olympic Lottery Distributor, said:
"This unprecedented investment is a great opportunity for disabled artists to collaborate with mainstream organisations to create new work for new audiences. The level of funding from ourselves and all the contributing partners mirrors our commitment to the development of the disabled arts sector, where work can be a powerful catalyst for change in perception and understanding."
Unlimited is delivered in partnership between London 2012, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council England, the Scottish Arts Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the British Council. Unlimited will encourage collaborations and partnerships between disability arts organisations, disabled and deaf artists, producers, and mainstream organisations to celebrate the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and produce work like never before.
Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive for Arts Council of Wales said:
"The profile of the Unlimited programme will ensure that the artistic work of disabled and deaf people will be placed centre-stage as part of the Cultural Olympiad. We're determined to see the Olympiad promoting the widest possible range of different and distinctive cultures. The commissioning of disabled and deaf artists will help make the Cultural Olympiad a vibrant and more interesting celebration of the full richness of our nation's creativity."
Applications for the Commission strand are welcomed from disabled and deaf artists or disability arts groups wishing to create excellent work either on their own or in partnership with other disabled and non-disabled artists or groups. Further information on the application process can be found at www.london2012.com/unlimited.
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Notes to editors:
Further information on Unlimited
Unlimited is delivered through four pillars:
- Unlimited Commissions: Over the three years artists can apply for awards of around £25,000 - £50,000 as part of a £1.5 million commission fund to support high quality collaborations between disabled and deaf artists and producers, and mainstream arts organisations. Applications will be made through the existing Grants for the Arts process run by Arts Council England but with annual deadlines from now until 2011. Applications must respond to a number of criteria including:
- Celebrating London and the whole of the UK welcoming the world
- Inspiring and involving young people
- Increasing opportunities for the public to engage in arts activities
- Generating a positive legacy
Artists can find out more information at www.london2012.com/unlimited
- Unlimited Talent: Successful applicants will receive support in developing their commission winning ideas. Unlimited Talent will provide this support, delivered through bespoke mentoring from experienced practitioners and training specifically created for the needs of each artist or partnership.
- Unlimited Presents: Work created through Unlimited Commissions will be showcased in London and across the UK up to and including games time.
- Unlimited International: Work created through Unlimited Commissions will be showcased internationally. This pillar of the programme is being led by the British Council and is still in development, full details will be announced in 2010.
London 2012 Cultural Olympiad
The London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is a national celebration of culture which is happening now and is about:
- Giving everyone in the country a chance to be part of London 2012
- Bringing sport and art together on a scale that has never been done
- Using the power of the Olympic Games to inspire creativity across all forms of culture, especially amongst young people.
- Making a real impact which will leave a lasting legacy well beyond 2012