To celebrate the handover of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Swale Borough Council received the
flag from London 2012 Organising Committee to be used in events during 2008. Now
in 2009, Swale Borough Council are backing a project to create an innovative
artwork using the 2012 flag. The work is designed to raise the profile and
awareness of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games. The work will be showcased
from 2009 as part of the Borough Council's celebration of the Cultural Olympiad
through to 2
012
when the Games commence.
This gives an opportunity for residents of Swale to join on a Sculptural Arts Project, and to have fun helping the flag pieces re-unite. The aim is to be able to document the involvement of all those randomly selected residents, who are asked to represent their street, town or area on behalf of those who live around them. Their participation will show the support and pride felt by the nation that London was selected to host the Olympics in 2012.
The inspiration for this project came from the Olympic Relay Race, though no-one selected is expected to 'physically race' on the day! This means old and young, disabled and able-bodied people can all join in this historic event.
Residents are asked to watch out for a Golden Envelope that may arrive at their home. This means that they have been randomly selected to represent their street, area or community in our Relay. Instructions are included in the envelope and there is also a chance to win £200. When the lucky recipients of the Golden Envelope arrive at the venue, following the instructions given, they will sign the flag, which will then be re-flown. They will also have their photo taken to document the event and this will be shown in exhibitions throughout Kent.
The flag's journey will see it change hands, be cut up, sewn back together with coloured thread and fly again with 200 signatures written all over it. The actual journey of the flag is the sculpture in the making, which the people of Swale will be a major part of.
Please read on to find out more about the history of the Olympic Games, what to do if you have received a flag ticket, and to follow the journey of the flag from handover to completion.
İTillys Art 2011