BLOG: 2023…the year of The Big Dog Art Trail

So, 2023 has kicked off and we couldn’t be more excited with what this year has in store for Julia’s House and The Big Dog Art Trail.

It only feels like yesterday that we were launching the trail and now we are really stepping things up for what will be a memorable experience for Swindon this summer

So, what is it?

More than 30 larger than life balloon dog sculptures – the Swindogs – are set to be unleashed across Swindon during the summer of 2023.

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.

Brought to you by Julia’s House and global public art producer, Wild in Art, 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.

And when is it?

The eight-week art trail will run from 15 July to 3 September 2023.

The 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.

Where can we see a Swindog?

There will be 30 Swindogs placed around Swindon in the UK’s first-ever balloon dog art trail, which will cover 20 miles between them.

Now we can announce that the sculptures will be at the following locations, with some locations hosting multiple dogs…

• Lydiard Park
• The Link Centre
• The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
• STEAM Museum
• GWR Park
• Pinetrees Community Centre
• Broadgreen Community Centre
• Swindon Town Football Club
• Nationwide’s Oakfield Development
• St Marks Park
• Lawns
• Old Town Gardens
• Queens Park
• Old Town Library & Arts Centre
• Swindon Train Station
• Swindon Council Office
• Wyvern Theatre
• The Parade

You will be able to find the Swinpups at the following locations…

• North Swindon Library
• Central Library
• West Swindon Library
• Pinetrees Community Centre
• The Wyvern Theatre
• The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet

Ahead of the opening weekend of the trail, there will be physical maps available purchase for a small donation going to Julia’s House and an app where you can collect the sculptures and find out more about their artists and the companies sponsoring them.

Who is involved?

We have been busy getting local companies to come on board and support this fantastic trail.

With the following already on board to help us deliver the best trail possible…

BIG DOG PARTNERS

Imagine Cruising – community partner Swindon Borough Council – learning programme partner Swindon Advertiser – media partner Beard – logistics partner

BIG DOG SPONSORS

National Self Build & Renovation Centre McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon Nationwide Intel Jazzbones Swindon Wildcats Better

Not forgetting for the local, national, professional and amateur artists who have submitted nearly 200 designs to The Big Dog Art Trail, hoping they will be selected to bring one of the huge balloon dog sculptures to life.

The submissions have now been shortlisted to just 60 designs at a special event held this month at the Julia’s House children’s hospice building in Devizes.

This month, all of the businesses and organisations who are sponsoring a supersized balloon dog sculpture will then get to choose their favourite artwork to adorn their Swindog from the shortlist.

Schools, colleges and children’s nurseries are also being invited to adopt and design their very own Swinpup, just like the Swindogs but smaller, and participate in The Big Dog Art Trail Learning Programme.

Young learners will have the chance to come up with a PAWS-ome design and paint their very own Swinpup sculpture, which will feature on this summer’s trail. The Swinpups will then return to their forever homes for schools and communities to enjoy for years to come.

The Big Dog Art Trail’s unique, creative learning adventure for children and young people is being supported by Swindon Borough Council, the trail’s official Learning Programme Partner.

To find out more, please download our Learning Programme pack.

What is it for?

The aim of the trail is to raise money and awareness for Julia’s House.

Julia’s House is your local children’s hospice charity, providing a lifeline of care for the most seriously ill children and their families across Wiltshire and Dorset.

Each family we support is unique and so is the care we provide. When a family finds out that their child has a very serious medical condition their world falls apart. Julia’s House exists to help these children and their families.

Find out more and meet some of the families this trail will support here.

Sounds great, how do I get involved?

Why not sponsor a Swindog and become a part of one of the biggest art events to happen in Swindon this year. Find out about the fantastic benefits of sponsoring a Swindog and download a sponsor pack.

We will be launching an app later in the year which will enable you to see the map of all the Swindogs and Swinpups across Swindon, tick off the dogs you have spotted and receive rewards.