What Cultural Olympiad? - Dee Doocey (Newham Borough Liberal Democrats)

Newham Borough Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

What Cultural Olympiad? - Dee Doocey

October 21, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by London Assembly Liberal Democrats

The widespread lack of awareness of the Cultural Olympiad was highlighted at City Hall today by Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Olympics spokesperson.

Questioning Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), Dee Doocey presented dramatic evidence which shows that across London most Londoners have never even heard of the four year Cultural Olympiad.

Commenting Dee said:

"Despite the Cultural Olympiad having started over a year ago it is really concerning that more than two thirds of Londoners have never heard of it. Even more disturbing is the fact that almost no one is aware of any Cultural Olympiad activities planned for their area."

"There is something seriously wrong when even people who take a keen interest in cultural events freely admit that the Cultural Olympiad is something they know nothing about, or if they have heard of it are under the impression that it only starts in 2012."

"Even those larger organisations which are really keen to be part of the Cultural Olympiad are facing problems raising the money required, because of the very strict rules surrounding Olympic sponsorship. This means they can't use branding from sponsors who are not official London 2012 sponsors. This is forcing them to turn down funding."

"These problems must be urgently addressed, or else we will end up with just a few set pieces organised by the cultural elite, rather than the inclusive Cultural Olympiad that we were promised."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Cultural Olympiad began in September 2008 with an Open Weekend featuring 655 events including festivals, art performances, free films, music performances and workshops. It is set to continue until the final few days before the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. For information see: http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/cultural-olympiad/index.php

2. Dee Doocey's survey to test public awareness of the Cultural Olympiad was conducted between 15th to 19th October 2009. An email was sent to 1,050 people across the 32 London boroughs. The response rate was 11%, with 115 people replying. The results showed that only 34% of people were aware of the Cultural Olympiad and with a mere 4% of people aware of any Cultural Olympiad activities in their area.