This series of off-set posters represents four variations of the Sydney 2000 Olympic bid logo - the flash, in one of four colours, against a multicoloured background. The posters were made in 1991 by Sydney Olympic Bid Limited as part of the selection process for the bid logo. This design, by Michael Bryce, would become synonymous with the Sydney 2000 bid, and would appear until late 1993 in a range of slightly modified forms.

The Sydney Olympic Bid Committee defined its image in 1992 when it selected a corporate theme, 'Share the Spirit', and held a protracted competition for a corporate logo. Eight local designers, including well-known artists like Ken Done, Ken Cato and Michael Bryce, submitted a total of almost sixty logo designs. Seemingly lacking a sense of energy and Indigenous references, these designs were rejected by all five judges: Rod McGeoch, Leo Schofield, Greg Daniel, Andrew Anderson and David Churches.

A second round of submissions saw the selection of Michael Bryce's new design - a multicoloured flash echoing the roofline of the Opera House, and random dots referencing Aboriginal dot painting. By this time, Bryce was already recognised for his work on sporting logos, having designed the logo for the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. Soon after the selection, ISIS/FHA Design Company, in- house designers for the Sydney Bid Committee, made some minor adjustments to Bryce's design.

In 1992, Bryce explained the informality of his logo, saying that he wanted to create an image that could be drawn simply in the sand - "no slide rule, no set square, no computer. If it can't be drawn by your fingers in the sand, then it's no good". Rod McGeoch also warmed to this informality, explaining that the logo "set the creative tone of what the Sydney bid was all about. colourful, vibrant, youthful and energetic". Moreover, the resulting merchandise "gave the impression that everyone associated with the bid was a bright, upbeat person with a youthful outlook". This image would permeate preparations for the Games and the Games themselves.

Tender for poster design for games bid. Four Share the Spirit posters. Gloss paper, the same design in different colours - red, blue, green and yellow.

Designed Michael Bryce and ISIS/FHA Design Company

Made as a design tender for the Sydney Olympic Bid Limited logo, 1991

Unused

Owned by the Olympic Coordination Authority/Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum.

Part of the Sydney 2000 Games Collection. Gift of

2001/84/366