"The cuts to funding from National Lottery distributors for the sector puts at risk the opportunity to showcase our country and create a legacy to the Games," he said.

Mr Wood chairs the national planning committee, organised jointly by the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and MLA, to plan the international exhibition programme that is one of the visionary projects for the Cultural Olympiad.

"It's through museums and other cultural institutions, across the length and breadth of the country, that everyone in all regions will have an opportunity really to feel involved with the Games - not just people in London, and not just people who have tickets to events.

"The work of our museums, libraries and archives can achieve so many of the government's broader priorities relating to the Games and ensure that 2012 is not just about one glorious summer." Mr Wood said.

"It is our sector that will ultimately play one of the most important roles in securing the 2012 legacy.

"We are already in discussion with the Heritage Lottery Fund over possible funding, especially for community projects associated with the Cultural Olympiad and the creation of a lasting Games legacy that is genuinely owned by the people."

Mr Wood also stressed the importance of government fulfilling its commitment to full funding for Renaissance, the investment programme that is transforming England's regional museums. He continued: "We need only £15m extra each year now to continue with the creation of a world-class network of museums across England, where improved collections and improved services are attracting new visitors all the time.

"Renaissance is an essential part of our plans for the build-up to and legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Set alongside the reduction in HLF funding, not to achieve this additional funding of £15m a year would be a double blow to the future of our regional museum network." -- www.mla.gov.uk