London 2012: Chris Ofili and others to design official Olympic and Paralympic artwork

Submitted by Yomi Omogbeja on 21 June 2011 - 3:34pm
Chris Ofili is among the 12 artists chosen to design the official Olympic and Paralympic posters for the London 2012 Games

To mark one year to go to the London 2012 Festival, acclaimed British-Nigerian artist Chris Ofili has today been announced as one of the 12 British artists chosen to design the official Olympic and Paralympic posters for the London 2012 Games.

Alongside Manchester-born Ofili, Tracey Emin, Fiona Banner, Michael Craig-Martin, Martin Creed, Anthea Hamilton, Howard Hodgkin, Gary Hume, Sarah Morris, Bridget Riley, Bob and Roberta Smith and Rachel Whiteread will each create a poster.

They will be shown in a free exhibition at Tate Britain as part of the London 2012 Festival, and will go on sale this autumn.

Over seven million people will have the opportunity to enjoy free cultural events during the Festival, which takes place between 21 June – 9 September 2012 as the finale of the Cultural Olympiad.

The Festival will feature leading artists including Leona Lewis, Toni Morrison and Mike Leigh, providing a summer of celebration for people across the UK.

Other events announced today include:

  • a special comedy season at the Hackney Empire;
  • a free light and fire spectacular by Les Commandos Percus on the shores of Lake Windermere;
  • an immersive theatre show for young Doctor Who fans by Punchdrunk; and
  • specially-commissioned film events from the British Film Institute.
Seb Coe, LOCOG Chairperson, said: "We always said that the culture programme would be part of the London 2012 experience.
"What you can see today is even more evidence that the London 2012 Festival programme for next year will showcase the incredible creative talent we have here in the UK."
"Millions will be able to get involved all across the UK, the vast majority for free; it will be a fitting finale for the Cultural Olympiad," he added.