We are pleased to announce that Thomas Hirschhorn will be taking part in the exciting 2012 summer arts program at The Hayward Gallery. The Hayward's Wide Open School, which runs next summer from 1 June - 9 September 2012 will coincide with the London Olympic and Paralympic Games and is expected to be a highlight of Southbank's Centre's Festival of the World.

Artists such as Tracey Emin and Mark Wallinger will be joining Thomas Hircchorn in leading classes, lectures and workshops, an event that will culminate in an exhibition of work produced by the public in the gallery. The festival will promote the interaction of audiences in art and encourage a creative discourse between artist and public.

Other highlights will involve the largest-ever gathering of poets, spearheaded by Simon Armitage; a residency by the Venezuelan Simón Bolívar Orchestra and its chief-conductor Gustavo Dudamel; an African strand led by Senegalese musician Baaba Maal; and a four-day celebration of Wales led by the renowned bass baritone Bryn Terfel, regarded as the greatest British singer of his generation.

There will also be a programme led by disabled and deaf artists, including Graeae Theatre and Candoco Dance - the largest such event, aiming to provide a parallel to the Paralympic Games.

The Hayward's Wide Open School runs this summer from 1 June - 9 September 2012