Arts role for Chris Smith in Games bid
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chris Smith, former secretary of state for culture, is to co-ordinate the programme of arts that will be part of London's 2012 Olympic bid as chairman of the capital's Cultural Consortium.
The cultural component of the Olympic bid will be the most pressing item on his agenda as he takes up the role, inwhich he will implement the culture strategy of the London Mayor, Ken Livingstone.
The establishment of the consortium makes the capital the last region in England to have a body providing a strategic approach to arts, sport, heritage and the creative industries.
A network of consortiums was set up by Mr Smith when he was at the Culture Department. Mr Smith said: "I wanted them to be strong voices for culture in their regions, organisations that could draw people and activities together, see the whole cultural picture and not just the individual parts, set ambitious strategies.
"Nowhere are these things more important than in London, which has a vibrant cultural and creative life, from the grandest of national institutions to the liveliest of local activities.'' Culture had to be an integral part of the Olympic bid. "One of the great strengths of the bid is that we want people to come not just for a big sporting festival but for our cultural riches as well."
In April, Mr Livingstone announced a 10-year strategy to develop the capital as a centre of cultural excellence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments