An art project in the South-east art project has been awarded half a million pounds to build a boat to celebrate the Olympics in 2012.

South East from Arts Council England on Vimeo.

Brighton-based arts organisation Lone Twin has been selected as the south east winner of a £500,000 commission for Artists taking the lead, one of the major projects for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
 
The Boat Project was selected by an independent panel of artists and producers from the five projects shortlisted in August from a total of 210 regional entries. The artists will build the hull of the boat from resin-coated compressed objects donated by the public.

Rebecca Ball, judging panel member explained that the Boat Project is a community effort: ‘A beautiful boat made by hundreds of people from their own personal artefacts will sail on an epic voyage around the south east, docking at the region’s harbours and being welcomed by spectacular celebrations involving thousands of people. The Boat will be an extraordinary artistic journey for all those who get involved.’

Gregg Whelan, from Lone twin, said: ‘The Boat Project has been an idea we have had for many years and we can’t wait to make it come to life. It gives us the opportunity to truly connect and share our ideas with new communities, to learn new skills, and to work with collaborators from a new and exciting sector. With this project we are about to embark on the voyage of our creative lifetimes so far.’

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe commented: ‘The winning commissions will be the catalyst for a truly national showcase of culture inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Each project will explore the nation and region’s creativity as part of a UK-wide celebration of London 2012.’