Sundance, AEG Europe plan pre-Olympics London arts festival

Robert Redford and his Sundance Institute will partner with The O2 owner-operators AEG Europe on a four-day pre-Olympic arts festival at the London venue to run in April 2012.

Redford’s Sundance Film Festival programmers will curate a film component presented by the Institute and AEG Europe that will promote American filmmakers and American current music.

The jamboree will also showcase discussions, panels and other cultural programming and is scheduled to run from Apr 26-29, 2012.

“We are excited to partner with AEG Europe to bring a particular slice of American culture to life in the inspired setting of The O2, and in this city of such rich cultural history,” Redford said. “It is our mutual goal to bring to the UK, the very best in current American independent cinema, to introduce the artists responsible for it, and in essence help build a picture of our country that is broadly reflective of the diversity of voices not always seen in our cultural exports.”

“The O2 is famous for its exciting and diverse events schedule, but we’re particularly proud to be hosting Sundance London next year,” Alex Hill, senior executive director at AEG Europe, said. “Mr Redford’s passion for the arts, the depth of his many businesses and the curatorial reputation of Sundance Institute are world renowned and we see this as a natural extension of the music and sporting events presented at The O2 since we opened in 2007. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to the best of the film industry in 2012.”

“We look forward to bringing to UK audiences some of the most exciting independent American films from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival,” Sundance Institute executive director Keri Putnam said.

“The environment provided by AEG and The O2, coupled with London’s reputation as a global cultural destination, should make for a rich and rewarding festival experience and provide the artists with a unique and memorable opportunity.”