There is still time for artists far and wide to submit their creative designs for the owl statues of the Big Hoot art trail being held in Ipswich next summer by St Elizabeth Hospice and Wild in Art
As part of the Big Hoot, between June and August next year, 40 ornately decorated owl sculptures, featuring designs celebrating all things Suffolk, will be scattered throughout Ipswich showcasing the wealth of artistic talent of the county and beyond, as part of the biggest free art event in Suffolk which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town.
In June, the hospice called on artists to submit their creative ideas before 15th October for an expert panel to review, ahead of a special matchmaker event in December which will decide the final designs to decorate the Big Hoot statues for the magical trail in 2022.
Celia Joseph, Community Relationships Fundraising Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We have been thrilled to receive many imaginative designs for our Big Hoot 2022 and are already excited about the creativity and vibrancy the trail will bring to Ipswich.
“However, there is still time to submit your design and we are keen to receive as many artistic ideas as possible. Help us make to the Big Hoot 2022 an art trail to remember, all while supporting the hospice in delivering its services to many people in the local community.”
The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 is the third art trail brought to Ipswich by St Elizabeth Hospice in partnership with creative producers Wild in Art, following the success of Pigs Gone Wild 2016 and Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk 2019.
All artists, whose designs are selected, will receive £900 and will be provided with guidance from the hospice team during the process of painting and varnishing their hoot statue, to help cover costs of paint and their time.
As well as this they will have the opportunity to take part in an event which will raise awareness and funds for the hospice while also encouraging more people to visit Ipswich town centre.
With Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk, and its subsequent statue auction and accompanying fundraising activities, generating more than £260,000 for the hospice. While Pigs Gone Wild is estimated to have brought an extra £1 million to Ipswich’s economy through increased visits and spending in the town, as 250,000 people completed the art trail in the town.
To submit a design for a Big Hoot statue visit thebighoot.co.uk/artists/.