Artists taking the lead

And after the Easter break, something far more serious:

What's your big idea for Artists taking the lead?

The Arts Council England are challenging artists of any kind to use the nation as a blank canvas for 12 spectacular projects - one in each of the nine English regions, and in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales - to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The shortlisted artists will be given a small development grant of up to £5,000 to work their idea into a full proposal. Artists will present their full proposal to the panels in late Autumn 2009. This will consist of a 15-minute presentation and up to 30 minutes of questions on the vision and viability of the idea, and how it meets the four core aims of the project.

Closing date for applications: 29 May 2009

To find out more and submit your idea in 400 words, visit: http://www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk/