Caerphilly Council inspired by the arts to make its mark

World Record Holding Triple Jumper, Jonathan Edwards recently visited Caerphilly Castle to help generate enthusiasm for London 2012 and congratulate Caerphilly Arts Development Team's success in being the first Cultural Olympiad Project in Wales to receive the London 2012 Inspire Mark. Honored guest Jonathan, also saw performances from 2008 Caerphilly's Got Talent winners, Triawd and Phoenix Dance, who inspired others to begin engaging in the Cultural Olympiad Project.

The Inspire Marked Project, namely Futura, has been created and developed by the Arts Development Team and Sean Tuan John, the projects Artistic Director/Choreographer. The project aims to provide the residents of Caerphilly County Borough with opportunities to engage with a range of creative and cultural activities leading up to the Summer of 2012, when Caerphilly Castle will play host to a spectacular finale event.

The finale event will be the culmination of the activities that will take place in the lead up to the Olympic year. The Arts Development Team will work with and engage as many local communities as possible, with the intention of engaging those who do not already take part in arts activities like dance, music, circus skills and carnival arts by providing existing artistic groups with a chance to expand on their repertoire by working with a variety of professional artists.

Arts Development Manager, Joanna Smith said, 'This is a great opportunity for the residents of the county borough to engage with some very exciting and innovative artists, to create what we hope will be a spectacular event, which will leave a lasting legacy for years to come and put Caerphilly County Borough on the Olympic Legacy map.'

If you belong to an artistic group that would like to become involved in this creative legacy then please email Arts Development or if you're a creative individual wanted to try something new then look out for further information on how you can get involved.