Current Project: Godiva Awakes

Imagine a ten metre high Godiva, re-awakening for the first time in 1000 years.

She stands in the centre of England between the White Horse in Kent and the Angel of the North, a potent symbol of justice across the world, reborn for the 21st century, embodying the values of fair play, friendship, respect and courage that are at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Clothed in a beautiful coat crafted by artists from across the region, chronicling the West Midland’s unique industrial and engineering heritage she is a moving, breathing monument, reflecting the excellence of past engineering glories and ‘imagineering’ the engineering future for all our young people in the West Midlands.

In July 2012, Godiva will awake to a spectacular performance involving dancers, actors, aerialists, musicians, pyrotechnicians, carnivalists and young people, who will present Godiva with the Book of Intent and a request to deliver the Book to London and the World. Powered by 100 cyclists, Godiva will then journey to London to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A world class piece of public art, made by mechanics, artists, theatre makers, puppeteers and engineers from Coventry, the region, nationally and internationally to the highest standards of contemporary craftsmanship, Godiva Awakes is a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the region’s rich heritage and to support and develop the skills of a new generation of makers, performers and event producers.

Godiva Awakes will be a moving piece of public art the like of which has never been seen, that runs on sustainable energy through cycle power. She will put the West Midlands on the map, capturing the imagination of the country and the world, with the skill and ingenuity of the region.