Bodmin Olympic Torch Art Project
School Banners Welcome Olympic Torch to Bodmin
Beautiful works of art created by children and young people in Bodmin adorned a building site as the Olympic Torch made its way into Bodmin.
10 primary schools, the Children’s Centre and the Ark Community Centre have spent the last couple of months creating canvas banners to brighten up an empty building plot at the bottom of Dennison Road in Bodmin. The banners depicted the local area, and what the children most loved about their school and community. Working with lead artist Michelle O’Connor, the groups came up with designs which included their school logos and mottos, special places in the surrounding area, and important people from Bodmin.
The Bodmin Olympic Torch Art project was devised by Sarah Sims, Cornwall 
Council Community Network Manager, to celebrate Bodmin and bring the local schools and community groups together. Sarah contacted Feast for support with funding, who brought KEAP on board to project manage. The project has also been supported by Cornwall Councillors Lance Kennedy, Ann Kerridge and Pat Rogerson and the schools themselves.
“I think this is a great opportunity to involve young people in celebrating both Bodmin and the Olympic torch” said Ann Kerridge.
“I’m delighted that this project includes children of all ages.’ said Pat Rogerson.
“Like my Cornwall Council colleagues I am pleased to support Sarah Sims the network manager and her team who have worked hard to produce this eye catching event, the credit is theirs” said Lance Kennedy.
Helen Reynolds, Project Manager from KEAP said, ‘This project highlights the important place of art, and the Cultural Olympiad within London 2012. The children and young people who took part really feel connected to the Olympics and have been able to show their pride and love for the places where they live for the world to see, as the Olympic Torch goes past.’
The project was featured both on the BBC national news with correspondent Robert Hall interviewing children from St Wenn primary, and on ITV Westcountry with an interview with the artist.
For more information please contact Helen Reynolds at KEAP on 01872 275187 or helen.reynolds@keap.org.uk
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