2012 Olympics
Dorset: culture and image and identity
Culture and Dorset’s Image and Identity
As part of London 2012’s offer, there was a promise that the City will come alive as never before “with energy, passion and excitement”. But the party won’t just be confined to London.
It will extend throughout the country including Dorset.
The Cultural Olympiad will start in 2008 following the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Games. After Beijing, London will become the Host City and the Torch Relay will trigger the start of many community festivals and events up and down the UK. Host Cities have historically used such festivals to showcase a wide range of artists to reflect the diversity of the Olympic Games, with an emphasis on local artists.
Within the South West it is anticipated that Weymouth, Portland and Dorset will be a focus for much of the arts and cultural activities. Between 2008 and 2012 there will be 4 years of festivities and activities, providing many potential opportunities to showcase Dorset, its businesses and what we have to offer. Such festivals and events can be a tremendous business opportunity to promote tourism destinations and generate awareness and goodwill among visitors. As an example, when Atlanta was the Host City in 1996, it hosted 190 ticketed shows, 23 exhibitions and 19 public displays.
To promote the UK to international visitors the Department of Culture Media and Sport, in partnership with Visit Britain and Visit London, launched the widest ever consultation of the tourism sector, which will inform the strategy for making the most of the Games as an opportunity for tourism.
The London Organising Committee are currently developing their plans and Dorset and the South West are part of the consultation process.
For more information on Olympism and culture see:
http://www.london2012.org/en/ourvision/olympism+and+culture/
