This strategy was commissioned in September 2007 because Weymouth & Portland were to host the Olympic sailing events in 2012. As the eyes of the world turned to Weymouth and Portland in 2012 it had the huge responsibility of representing Dorset and the South West region to the world. A public art strategy was commissioned in order to ensure that Weymouth and Portland projected an image of a creative, dynamic, forward looking and culturally rich place. The objective of every organisation involved with the 2012 Games was to achieve lasting legacies from the work undertaken in the years leading up to the event and during the Games themselves.

There are many benefits associated with hosting the Olympics, including economic regeneration through the improvement of infrastructure, attracting inward investment, and increased tourism. Weymouth and Portland have many unique assets in terms of natural beauty, the location on the Jurassic Coast and rich architectural heritage. There is also great variety within a small geographic area with the different characters of Weymouth with its Georgian Esplanade, impressive beach and inner harbour, and Portland with its more rural wild landscape and stone cottages, not forgetting the unique Chesil Beach between the two.

The team consultants, Mererid Velios, Simon Fenoulhet and Geoff Wood researched opportunities for public art within regeneration and development schemes and consulted with individuals and organisations to develop a draft strategy which was presented before Christmas 2007 to the steering group. Themes were suggested to highlight what Weymouth and Portland have to offer and to maximise legacy outcomes from 2012. With the ‘Jurassic Coast’ and ‘inspiring young people’ as overarching themes, the sub themes included ‘Animate and humanise public spaces’, ‘Tourism and regional image’, ‘Olympic Celebrations’, ‘Focus on Sustainability’, and ‘Centre of Marine Excellence’. A final strategy was then prepared and the steering group prioritised which proposals should be taken forward and implemented.

The steering group which commissioned the strategy was led by Public Art South West and included Arts Council South West, Weymouth and Portland Council, Dorset Council, Weymouth and Portland Partnership, Jurassic Coast Team, South West Regional Development Agency and Weymouth College.

See the following pages for information on implemented projects:
Littlemoor Wishes http://www.celfwaith.co.uk/node/1637
Jurassic Stones http://www.celfwaith.co.uk/node/1642
Veils of Light
Wish you were here...deck chairs project http://www.celfwaith.co.uk/node/1647