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The uniquely decorated sculptures 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 .
The Big Dog Art Trail will 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 . 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 .
Schools , nurseries and community groups will also be invited to get involved in the project in autumn this year and create designs for their own mini Swindog puppy sculptures , which will form part of the main family-friendly art trail .
Each of the two-metre-high balloon dogs will be adopted by different well-known and undiscovered artists , who will hand paint their own eye-catching and innovative designs on the sculpture . The very first painted Swindog , decorated by local artist Hannah Dosanjh , was recently unveiled at a special launch event at STEAM museum for businesses interested in sponsoring their own balloon dog sculpture .
Running from 15th July to 3rd September 2023 , the art trail will end with a grand farewell finale where all of the Swindog sculptures will be brought together under one roof . The giant one-of-a-kind 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 has previously hosted trails in cities across the UK and worldwide , including the recent elephant parade in Worcester and cows in Cambridge . Martin Edwards , CEO for Julia ’ s House , said , “ We ’ re so excited to bring this bold and
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unique event to Swindon in 2023 . It will give the local business community a huge boost and will attract a throng of visitors to see the super-sized Swindogs . We ’ re delighted to be supporting the thriving art scene in the town and encouraging families to explore their local area .
“ The balloon dog sculpture was the perfect match for Julia ’ s House , as art and play enable us to make fun and special memories for families , which is an important aspect of our care for the most seriously ill children in Swindon and throughout Wiltshire . Crucially for Julia ’ s House , The Big Dog Art Trail will also help us to raise awareness and vital funds so we can continue to be a lifeline for the growing number of local families who depend on our care .”
Charlie Langhorne , Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art , added , “ I have no doubt that the balloon dog will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike , while helping to raise vital funds for Julia ’ s House . With your support we can create an event that will have significant impact during the summer of 2023 .”
Swindon-based branding and design agency Jazzbones Creative which has an extensive track record working with local and national charities is also working with Julia ’ s House on the project , to help them fine-tune their fundraising and maximise their income . Nathan Sandhu , Founder and Creative Director at Jazzbones , said , “ After winning a very competitive tender process , we threw ourselves into the challenge of branding and design .
“ Our initial brief was to deliver a name , strapline and logo for the art trail and after coming up with a host of great options , Julia ’ s House eventually opted for The Big Dog Art Trail : Swindon goes walkies !”
The eye-catching logo cleverly incorporates a number of relevant features – a balloon dog , a paw , and a paintbrush – without looking overly fussy . As for the dog itself , think a pink Jeff Koons pooch fused with a doggy shaped balloon from a children ’ s party .
Nathan , added , “ As part of the first stage of this major project we have also provided Julia ’ s House with comprehensive brand guidelines and templates of how the branding can be rolled out across physical collateral ( sponsor packs , posters , t-shirts , tote bags etc .) and social media .”
Swindon ’ s Imagine Cruising thinks the idea is pawesome and was the first company to sign up as a sponsor . Robin Deller , CEO of
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KEY BIG DOG ART TRAIL DATES
• November 2022 - Open call to artists to submit designs
• Until December 2022 - Local schools and youth groups invited to join the programme
• January 2023 - Art selection event where sponsors choose their artist ’ s design
• March to April 2023 - Decoration of sculptures
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• March 2023 - Sponsors ’ activation workshop
• 15th July to 3 September 2023 - The Big Dog Art Trail is LIVE around Swindon
• 16th & 17th September 2023 - Farewell event with all the dogs in one place .
• 18th September 2023 - Auction event . Swindogs auctioned to raise vital funds for Julia ’ s House
To find out how to become a sponsor or to get the latest Big Dog Art Trail updates , visit : www . bigdogarttrail . co . uk
Imagine Cruising , said , “ I know I speak for the whole Imagine Cruising team when I say that we are continually humbled by the care and support that Julia ’ s House provides to local children and their families . Their tireless work provides hope and a little happiness for families in unthinkable situations , and we are very proud to sponsor them . We ’ re so excited to be a part of this brand-new initiative coming to Swindon in 2023 . Stay tuned and we hope to see you there !”
For more info : www . juliashouse . org
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Swindon branding and design agency Jazzbones , worked with Julia ' s House to create the Swindog brand . |
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44 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk |