A new £3m programme has been launched in a bid to provide disabled and deaf artists with an opportunity to develop artwork as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Unlimited, one of the UK's largest disability arts schemes, aims to enable talented artists to create a wide range of artwork leading up to 2012 and to introduce audiences to commissions showcased at arts venues, festivals and the London Games. The three-year programme is split into two sections; the first will provide a £1.5m fund for commissioning new work, while the second will offer support to artists in order to develop their talent and skills, as well as exhibiting their creations.

Funding has been provided by the Olympic Lottery Distributor using Lottery cash, while Arts Council England (ACE), the British Council, the Scottish Arts Council, Arts Council of Wales, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and London 2012 have also contributed. Janet Paraskeva, chair of the Olympic Lottery Distributor, said: "London 2012 can bring opportunities to all of us and that is why the Olympic Lottery Distributor is investing National Lottery funds in disabled and deaf artists to enable them to work with mainstream organisations to bring their work to new audiences."

"The level of funding from the Olympic Lottery Distributor and all the contributing partners represents our commitment to the development of the disabled arts sector whose work can be a powerful catalyst for change in perception and understanding." Moria Sinclair, executive director of ACE London, added: "By investing in a number of talented disabled artists and producers, Unlimited Commissions will bring their work to more people, and crucially, develop stronger partnerships with some of our best venues and producers.

"In this way we hope to achieve a legacy of powerful new relationships, informed by excellent creative practice and shared ambitions." Image: London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG)