Sport and culture have long converged in the Olympic arena. The world’s largest public event, the Olympic Games are pillared on the principles of excellence, endeavour and understanding among nations – equally the dictum of culture and the arts. But the shape of Olympic arts is changing – moving with the new millennium into arguably its most exciting phase yet.
From their Athens launch in 1896 the modern Olympics have incorporated cultural activities in their staging, enriching the experience for participating individuals, host cities and spectators, while stoking the Olympic movement with increasing fervour.