Voluntary organisations can be part of the Cultural Olympiad

Voluntary organisations can be part of the Cultural Olympiad by applying for the London 2012 Inspire Mark.

For the first time in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, non commercial organisations can have their activities recognised as part of the London 2012 celebrations. Not-for-profit organisations can apply to run programmes, events or activities inspired by the London 2012 Games. Successful cultural projects become part of the Cultural Olympiad and are awarded the coveted Inspire Mark for use on brochures, posters and websites. They also receive communications support to help raise publicity.

The Inspire programme has been running since 2008, but there is still time to apply. For eligibility criteria and application information visit the London 2012 website at http://www.london2012.com/join-the-cultural-olympiad.

Voluntary arts and crafts umbrella bodies can have support through the application process from the Voluntary Arts Once in a Lifetime Project Officer Helen Thomas. Helen said “I would like to encourage umbrella bodies to apply as this is a fantastic opportunity to raise profile, reach new audiences and increase participation. But apply as soon as possible, because the process closes at the end of 2011”. Email Helen via helen@voluntaryarts.org, or telephone on 020 7422 8289.

Voluntary Arts worked with the Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles and LOCOG to support an Inspire Mark application for two quilting projects. Guild president Marilyn Lovett commented “I have spoken to many people about making a quilt for each country and pennants for each competitor, projects which have been awarded the Inspire Mark. Being part of the Cultural Olympiad creates a real buzz, with people feeling that they too could be involved in the spirit of the Games.”.

Voluntary Arts also supported NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) to make a successful Inspire Mark application for their ‘Inspired by Amateur Theatre’ project. NODA Chief Executive Tony Gibbs said “We are thrilled to have been awarded the Inspire Mark which we believe will enable us to raise further the profile of amateur theatre”.

Voluntary Arts Scotland and Voluntary Arts Ireland have both been awarded the Inspire Mark, for their Voluntary Arts Week and Art Take Part projects respectively.

You can read about these and other projects on the Voluntary Arts website (http://www.voluntaryarts.org/) and download Briefings numbers 4 and 5 for more information.

For more information visit http://www.london2012.com/join-the-cultural-olympiad