The team behind the Big Dog Art Trail that will visit Swindon next year, are looking for local artists to give some giant dogs their identity.
The Big Dog Art Trail team are sniffing out local artists, designers and illustrators who would be willing to turn a blank canvas into a fun and inspiring sculpture to engage audiences across Swindon.
Each of the two-metre-high balloon dogs will be adopted by different artists, who will decorate the Swindog with their own innovative design on the sculptures.
On Friday, 18 August, artists were invited to a launch event at Artsite in Swindon to find out how they can get involved in The Big Dog Art Trail.
The event also provided the opportunity for people to meet the very first painted Swindog, which was designed and painted by local artist Hannah Dosanjh.
Hannah Dosanjh said: “I really enjoyed painting my Swindog and it’s been brilliant to see how it’s engaged people since it was unveiled. I’m really looking forward to seeing the designs the artists come up with to make this trail come to life.”
Members of the public are being invited to scamper over to The Big Dog Art Trail website - www.bigdogarttrail.co.uk/artists - to find the Artist Pack and information on how to submit a Swindog design.
The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, 1 November 2022.
Chris Hyde, Project Manager for The Big Dog Art Trail, said: “The Big Dog Art trail team is so excited to invite artists to submit their designs, we can’t wait to see them. The final decision is in the paws of the Swindog sponsors as they will be choosing their favourite designs.”
More than 30 uniquely decorated Swindogs will create the UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail and will raise essential funds for the local children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.
Each of the sculptures will be sponsored by a local company and, in January 2023, sponsors will be able to select their favourite design.
Those wishing to find out how their company can sponsor a Swindog and join the Big Dog Art Trail pack, can visit www.bigdogarttrail.co.uk/sponsors.
Running from 15 July - 3 September 2023, The Big Dog Art Trail will aim to create a free walking trail through some of Swindon’s most well-loved and historic parks, landmarks and streets and will shine a light on art and culture in the heart of the town.
A spokesperson for the trail said: "As well as encouraging local residents to re-discover the town they love, the public art spectacle is expected to attract thousands of visitors from outside the town, providing a welcome boost for local businesses."
The Big Dog Art Trail will then end with a 'grand farewell finale' where all of the two-metre-high Swindog sculptures will be brought together under one roof.
The giant sculptures will then head off to their forever homes after being adopted at a special auction event to raise money for Julia’s House children’s hospice.
The Big Dog Art Trail is being brought to Swindon by Julia’s House and global public art producer, Wild in Art, who have previously hosted trails in cities across the UK and worldwide, including the recent elephant parade in Worcester, and Cows in Cambridge.
More information about the Big Dog Art Trail's launch event can be found at https://swindonlink.com/charity/big-dog-art-trail-launch/
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