Great news – one of Brighton's best art events is making its comeback! Last week, Brighton charity Martlets announced that their interactive art adventure is returning in 2023, with 40 new sculptures flocking to Brighton, designed by local artists and celebrities.
In previous years, we’ve seen colourful dogs and snails brought to the streets and landmarks of our city, encouraging locals and visitors to get outside and engage with art, while raising vital funds for an important cause.
In today’s blog, we’re discussing this fantastic community event and revealing what fluffy favourite has been chosen as this year’s subject…
The Martlets Mission
Martlets are a hospice charity who provide essential services to people affected by terminal illness in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area.
As well as supporting the dying, their mission is to bring together families and the local community, providing as much joy as possible, and helping patients to live life to the full during the precious time they have left.
Snowdogs and Snailspace
Previous art trails organised by Martlets have been an enormous success. In 2016, streets and landmarks around town were adorned by Snowdogs in a homage to the work of Sussex artist, Raymond Briggs, famous for The Snowman.
Snowdogs was named the ‘Best Event in the City’ in 2016. It attracted more than 350,000 visitors and contributed over £10 million to the local community. Furthermore, a survey conducted by Wild in Art found that one hundred percent of Brighton and Hove residents said they were proud to have the trail in their area.
The event was also a phenomenal fundraising success, raising more than £300k. When the time came to auction off the sculptures, over 10,000 people tuned in to watch the bidding, and one Snowdog, created by Sarah Arnett – sold for an incredible £22,000.
Next, Snailspace slid into town in 2018, bringing with it the message that we should ‘be more snail’ and slow down to appreciate the little things in life.
These art trails featured sculptures designed by local celebrities like Norman Cook and Peter James, as well as leading artists, Mike Edwards and David Shrigley.
The events raised a combined total of £600k for the charity, allowing Martlets to provide life-changing care to the community.
Shaun by the Sea in 2023
At a prestigious event last week at Brighton Dome, with the help of patron, Norman Cook and Brighton Mayor, Lizzie Dean, Martlets revealed that Shaun the Sheep will be 2023’s art trail subject.
The event was also attended by Peter Lord – the Academy Award winning animator, director and producer responsible for creating Wallace and Gromit, and Shaun the Sheep.
In 2023, the trail will feature 40 sculptures, designed by a carefully-curated mixture of well-known and emerging local artists.
Along with other Brighton businesses, attractions, educational establishments and community groups, Enter Gallery will be sponsoring one of the sculptures. Over the next few months, artists will be encouraged to submit their designs, with the winners selected next March.
In autumn 2023, the sculptures will be shepherded out across Brighton and Hove, where they will entertain and delight for eight weeks, before being auctioned off to raise funds.
Enter Gallery is happy to be involved in such a great cause and we can’t wait to see this wonderful showcase of local and regional artists back on Brighton’s streets.
