The Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) has set up a groundbreaking campaign to put contemporary glass on the map. "Glass Games" will harness the energy and audiences generated by the Olympics & Paralympics in 2012 to bring the magic of contemporary glass to more people than ever before. Arts organizations, higher education institutions, glass artists, studio workshops, cooperatives and galleries are all invited to take part & promote their own "Glass Games" event/s. A full programme of events will be published in print & on the web from early 2012. Events already proposed include sports/glass crossovers such as regional marble games and a marble championship, but others focus on the idea of playing with glass, perhaps in the making process or as an exhibition theme. Events may highlight the physical processing of glassmaking, in terms of stamina, technique or skill e.g. a 24-hour 'tag-team' cold-working competition for charity, or cane pulling 'tug of war' etc. Events could link with other countries and cultures through themes to make international connections. Smaller events are as important as big ones, so individual artists and studios are encouraged to get involved. Participating events will be published in a full colour A5 brochure, in April 2012 and will be widely distributed from 1 May 2012. Events will also be featured on an official Glass Games website, supported by an e-marketing campaign. Glass events will be held from 1 June-30 September 2012 to coincide with the 2012 Olympics & Paralympics.
