Calling all artists! Julia’s House is seeking creative designs for the mermaid tail-themed sculpture trail that will be installed across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole next year. The Great Tail Trail will be a free, family-friendly walking trail through the towns, parks and coastline of South Dorset, encouraging residents to re-discover the places they love. The public art spectacle is also expected to attract thousands of visitors from outside the area.
Artists are now invited to submit mermaid tail designs that resonate personally or take inspiration from local heritage, landmarks, natural beauty, or the impactful work of Julia’s House. There will be approximately 40 sculptures displayed at key locations across BCP from 5th April to 1st June 2025. Each mermaid tail will be 1.8m high and must stand out in a crowd.
Each sculpture will be sponsored by a local business or organisation, offering a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase their work. Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia’s House, says: ‘Artists can let their imagination run wild and celebrate what’s important and meaningful for them. We hope to have a real variety of different designs, themes, creations and colours that will stand out on the trail next year. It’s going to be an amazing spectacle – each artist’s design is going to be seen by thousands of people!’
The closing date for design submissions is 1st July 2024. After submission, the designs will be shortlisted for sponsors to choose their preferred artwork for the mermaid tail sculptures. Artists can paint their sculptures in their own studios or in a shared painting space, allowing them to meet other artists involved. All sculptures must be completed by 16th December 2024. Visit greattailtrail.co.uk to download an Artists’ Pack.
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