Following our recent launch, please join us at the first in a series of new events designed to inform and update you about key projects and issues affecting the city and region. This time our focus is the West Midlands Cultural Olympiad, a four year celebration of culture and creativity that willbe launched over the weekend of 26th September as part of the plans for the London 2012 Games, The (Olympic connection is particulary relevant to our region. The modem Olympic Games were effectively founded in ‘Much Wenlock in Shropshire in 1850 as the brainchild of Dr Wiliam Penny Brookes, acknowledged as the founding father of the modem Olympic Games. In January 2008, Paul Kaynes was appointed the West Midlands Cultural Olympiad Creative Programmer, Paul will be outlining some of the ways in which local organisations can participate in a range of projects and seek ideas to help shape those projects. In return, Paul will be looking to get.a sense of the ideas and partnerships that could be formed. Although the majority of tenders being sought are from not for profit organisations, Paul willbriefly touch on tenders from businesses as well as encourage guests to discuss ideas with him during the networking session immediately afterwards. Whilst much of the funding for projects already needs to be in place to be part of the CCukural Olympiad, there are limited funds available to support dance activity, which Paul wll explain more about on 15th May. More details can be found in a background briefing paper available at www.london2012.com/beinspired Timings for the event are’ 5.45 for 6pm Arrival and welcome by Stuart Grifiths, Chief Executive, Birmingham Hippodrome 635-7pm Paul Kaynes~ Questions and 7.00- 8pm Networking: cash bar avallable There is no charge for attending but please RSVP so we can manage numbers by clicking on http://creativerepublic.eventwax.com/cultural- olympiad-briefing/register. In return for providing a free event, our only request is that you sign up to our Charter. Numbers for the event are limited and if we are at capacity, priority will be given to Charter signatories. If you have not already done so, please sign up on line at www creativerepublic org.uk/charter. Alternatively iF you prefer, and if numbers allow, you can sign up on the right as well have hard copies available. ‘A map and directions for the venue can be found at www.creativerepublic.org.uk and Ilook forward to meeting you on 15th May. Helga Henry. Chairman Creative Republic