ArtsProfessional Magazine

Arts at the Heart of the Olympics
The powers behind London 2012 have promised that the arts will be at the heart of the next Olympic Games, according to Charlotte Higgins in the G. Sebastian Coe promises "a clear and tangible cultural legacy for the whole nation". Launching the Cultural Olympiad, Jude Kelly, chair of culture, ceremonies and education for the Olympics, unveiled a series of cultural initiatives that will build over the next four years and culminate in a celebration of British creativity in the summer of 2012. The Olympiad will not restrict itself to London but, according to Kelly, will "embrace the whole nation". At Tate Britain, Coe will take part in the Martin Creed sculpture Work 850, which involves a runner sprinting along the length of the museum’s Duveen Galleries.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/sep/05/olympics2012

Scholar finds ‘Beethoven’s last piano work’ in library
An Australian musicologist has discovered what he believes to be the last piano work written by Beethoven five months before he died.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/scholar-finds-beethovens-last-piano-work-in-library-923491.html


Hirst auction exceeds expectations
Damien Hirst has given up smoking and drinking and, in the wake of a lukewarm reception for his works in India, is auctioning a selection at Sotheby’s. The first session has brought in £70.5m. What’ll he do with all that cash?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2008/sep/02/damien.hirst.india


Leicester University invests in modern art
He may not be able to afford a Hirst, but the boss of Leicester University has been buying up art to improve the look of the campus and lift the spirits of staff and students.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/higher/framework-for-success-why-leicester-university-is-investing-in-modern-art-925162.html

8. Playing with the Band
Oasis has teamed up with Arts Council England and music magazine NME to inspire fans to learn to pick up instruments and play music. The band is giving away a DVD featuring sheet music and lyrics to three new songs and is asking new artists to send in their interpretations before the actual songs are released next month. Musicians will submit their own versions to a special website, with the winning entrant invited to travel to an Oasis gig anywhere in the world.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2709308/Oasis-teams-up-with-Arts-Council-and-NME-to-inspire-fans-to-learn-to-play-music.html