Read All About It – Local arts group is Ahead of the Game with mascot competition.

Chichester Library is set to host a free exhibition of designs of the Chichester Mascot, for the West Sussex-Ahead of the Game programme celebrating the London 2012 Games.

Chichester District Council heads the Chichester mascot designing project on behalf of the West Sussex Arts Partnership.

Members of West Sussex County Council’s Starburst Arts, and the Apuldram Centre, Chichester have designed the artwork, which will be on display from Monday January 31 for a week.

Starburst Arts is an integrated arts centre based at the Wrenford Centre in Chichester, which provides a day service for people with learning difficulties.

Members from both centres entered a selection of artwork based around the theme of celebration.

The exhibition includes the winning design by Mark Talmage, from Starburst Arts.

West Sussex-Ahead of the Game is a countywide initiative, to ensure West Sussex makes the most of the 2012 Games, and plays a full part in a successful celebration.

Deborah Urquhart, County Council Member for Environment and Economy, said: “This project was an ideal opportunity to celebrate the games and get people involved in a creative project.

“We have many art-related events and activities in the run up to 2012, including carnivals, community singing events, and outdoor theatre.” `

Peter Catchpole, County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “The mascot competition was a great chance for the Starburst artists to show their talent.

“Starburst Arts offers art of all kinds to adults who attend the Wrenford Centre, including 2D and 3D art, film, photography, dance and drama, and sensory art sessions.”

For more information about the project and Starburst Arts, contact the manager Sally Christopher on 01243 788544.

To find out more on the West Sussex-Ahead of the Game programme, visit www.westsussex-aheadofthegame.com