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UEL Arts lecturer is shortlisted for prestigious London 2012 Cultural Olympiad

Monday 24 August 2009

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A University of East London (UEL) lecturer has been selected as one of five artists short listed in the South East by the Arts Council England and London 2012 for one of the most ambitious and diverse art commissions in the UK: Artists taking the lead, which is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Dr John Cockram is a Senior Lecturer in Visual Theories at UEL’s School of Architecture and Visual Arts (AVA) based at the Docklands campus.

If successful, Dr Cockram’s project will be to construct a three walled glass and steel structure creating a ‘room’ to tour the South East coast. Taking up residence on various beaches with the tide lapping the glass walls, the ‘room’ will become a unique space for performances, exhibitions or for simply looking at the view.

Tunbridge Wells-based artist, Dr Cockram said: “I am delighted to be shortlisted as there some brilliant ideas from the other artists. My project ‘room’ will intrude into the sea and allow people to enter the structure. In addition, it can be an open-air gallery, conference and meeting space for a programme of events which celebrate and explore the Olympics and also environmental issues.”

Artists were challenged to submit their ideas for twelve commissions between 19
March and 29 May 2009 and a total of 2163 submissions were received from across the country. These were judged by an independent panel of artists and producers in each nation and region, arriving at a final shortlist.

In the south east, the other four artists and arts organisations shortlisted were Landmark by Caitlin Easterby and Simon Pascoe of arts organisation, Red Earth. The Boat Project by Brighton based company, Lone Twin, The online speaking clock by Dave Blake and The less traveled path by Portuguese artist, Sofia Castelo.

Rebecca Ball, Head of Combined Arts at Arts Council England, South East said:
“I’m confident though that those we have chosen have the potential to inspire and delight communities, while leaving a lasting legacy for the south east to enjoy – far beyond the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.”

Each artist will receive a development grant of up to £5,000 to turn their initial proposals into comprehensive plans. They will present these to the artist panels in late September and they will decide the final twelve commissions - due to be announced in October 2009.

The twelve successful commissions will be developed across 2010 and 2011 in
close collaboration with local communities. All twelve will take part in a final
unifying celebration, prior to the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Chairman said: “I’m thrilled with the calibre of this shortlist. We want the Cultural Olympiad to bring art and sport together, inspiring and unlocking creativity and talent all round the country, and these projects do exactly that.”

For further information see www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk .

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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