The London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) announced on Thursday that it would launch a four-year program of cultural events to lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

Designed to highlight the country's arts and culture, the $70 million project will comprise 500 events, including a Shakespeare festival and a light show at Windsor Castle, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 

Sebastian Coe, former distance runner and chair of the LOCOG, said, "The Cultural Olympiad will leave a legacy of cultural engagement in communities across our country."

Coe will help launch the intiative by participating in Martin Creed's Work No. 850 at Tate Britain. Begun in July, the performance piece involves a group of runners who have been racing through the museum at intervals.  

Other highlights include the illumination of Blackpool Tower, an observation tower in northwest England, in the colors of the 2012 games, on September 26. Twelve new public works of art are being commissioned as well, from artists representing each of England's nine regions as well as Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The program will culminate with a World Cultural Festival, with contributions from all participating countries of the London games. 

"We want to welcome great artists of the world to take part," saidJude Kelly, chair of culture, ceremonies, and education for theorganizing committee.