The British Federation of Brass Band’s (BFBB’s) Development Officer, Philip Watson, has been pushing the creative developers of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad for the maximum involvement of brass bands in all cultural events.

Meeting

In a recent meeting with Tessa Gordziejko, the Creative Programmer for London 2012 (Yorkshire region), Philip discussed several issues concerning bands.

Funding

He commented to 4BR: "We discussed many avenues that could involve brass bands, including National Signature Projects involving the central aims of youth, innovation and diversity, themes for Yorkshire and other regions which are the moving body and public space animation, the launch of the Cultural Olympiad on 24 August 2008 where it is hoped we can get many bands performing and collaboration events with the possibility of funding for commissioning a new work for brass bands."

The BFBB believes there is a clear need for a small grants fund to inspire local community groups and bands across the UK to dream up projects that fit the criteria for the 2012 Cultural OlympiadPhilip Watson

Invited to apply

Brass bands are being invited to apply to have their own projects recognised as part of the Cultural Olympiad, though in many cases there is no funding available for these, but successful applications will be rewarded with the honour of using an official non-commercial mark for the 2012 Olympics.

Inspire Mark

The agreement to endorse this mark and create a four year cultural festival is a first in Olympic history and the newly developed ‘Inspire Mark’ will only be available to projects without any commercial sponsorship.

Clear need

Commenting on the lack of funding for cultural projects Philip Watson told 4BR: "The BFBB believes there is a clear need for a small grants fund to inspire local community groups and bands across the UK to dream up projects that fit the criteria for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad and we will be looking into ways to develop this."

The application process for Cultural Olympiad projects will have a seven week turnaround time and details of how to apply can be found at www.london2012.com/beinspired.