THE council is inviting bids for arts contracts in order to shake up the department in the run up to the 2012 Games and Cultural Olympiad.

Its three-year contract with six providers of arts services, including charity Apex Arts, ends on March 31, and the council will not be renewing them, but seeking bids from groups to provide services up to and past the 2012 Games.

Due to the adoption of the local authority's 20-year Culture Strategy, which was rubber stamped by the cabinet on October 6, the provision of arts and culture is to be reviewed in its entirety.

Former chair of Apex Arts and honorary life member, Tim Bennett-Goodman, said: “This is an opportunity for blue sky thinking, especially in response to the local cultural Olympiad.

"This is an opportunity to have a fresh think about how we develop the arts in the borough.”

The five other arts service providers whose contracts have not been automatically renewed are Mencap, Age Concern Waltham Forest, Sikh Community Care, Art and Education Network and Black Film Maker.

Cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, Cllr Geraldine Reardon, said: “We are determined to enable residents to experience the fantastic array of culture, arts and leisure in Waltham Forest and do more to develop the rich cultural heritage in this part of London, from our wonderful museum and galleries to our free summer festivals.

“That's why we have spoken to, and met, thousands of residents, local artists, sports people and school students between January and July this year to ask for their views and share their ideas on what the Waltham Forest Culture Strategy should focus on and deliver.

”It is important to give arts organisations the stability and continuity of a funding agreement that takes us through to the 2012 Games, and the artistic and cultural events associated with them.”