Arts figures urge 2012 planning

The Cultural Olympiad is held in the run-up to the Games

The government must begin planning the programme of arts events to be held in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, say leading figures from the arts world.

The new Culture and Creativity Advisory Forum said it was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to showcase British arts.

Culture Minister David Lammy said: "We recognise the need to start preparing now, and we do not underestimate the challenges ahead."

The forum is advising the government on the Cultural Olympiad.

It was set up by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell on 6 April, and is chaired by Mr Lammy.

Its members include former culture secretary Lord Smith of Finsbury, Tate director Sir Nicholas Serota, Royal Opera House executive director Tony Hall and British Film Institute chairman Anthony Minghella.

Following the forum's first meeting last week, Sir Nicholas Serota said: "We need to start planning for this now.

"The government must take the lead in developing a vision of what the cultural programme will be and what it will aim to achieve, and setting a framework within which we can all work to make the 2012 Cultural Olympiad the best ever."

Sir Nicholas said the cultural programme could "take the Olympic message and values to people throughout the country, create new opportunities for children, young people and communities to enjoy and participate in cultural and creative activities and leave a lasting cultural legacy".

Mr Lammy said that people across the country were "enthusiastically embracing this opportunity and wanting to get involved".

He added: "We recognise the need to start preparing now, and we do not underestimate the challenges ahead if we are to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."