NSBRC Helping To Build Future Careers With Their Swindog

NSBRC helping to build future careers with The Big Dog Art Trail

Date published: 11 July 2023

The National Self Build and Renovation Centre are one of three Swindon companies giving students at New College a unique opportunity through their Swindog sponsorship.

The company, based at Lydiard Fields, Swindon, is the UK’s only permanent venue for independent homebuilding advice and support.

However, when it comes to sponsoring The Big Dog Art Trail, they are focussed on building the careers of local, young artists.

Along with The Wyvern Theatre and Arval, they have linked up with New College Swindon to give students a chance to have their artwork on display on one of the 30 larger-than-life balloon dog sculptures that will feature on the trail.

As well as having their artwork seen by thousands of people taking part in the trail this summer, the work experience with a local company and being able to pitch their ideas to an audience is a crucial part of their education.

“We are so pleased to be able to work with Alice to bring our ideas around energy efficiency to life.

From the first time we met Alice at New College, we could tell she really understood our messaging and we’re super-excited to meet our Swindog, ‘Sparky’ – we hope they help spread happiness as well as helping people save on their energy bills!”

Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director – NSBRC.

Sponsors NSBRC with artist Alice and Swindog sculpture Sparky

Third year BA Illustration student Alice Irvine was the artist to have her design chosen by NSBRC.

The companies work in making homes more energy efficient inspired Sparky, which will be on display at Lydiard Park from July 15 through to September 3.

The design has a bold colour gradient based on energy efficiency charts, moving from reds, representing less energy efficient buildings, to greens representing more energy efficient ones.

The pattern of the houses and buildings drawn over the top of the design, represents the journey to make homes more energy efficient and are based on homes across Swindon.

Alice said: “I designed my sculpture knowing that they help make people’s homes more energy efficient.

“I also went around Swindon and took pictures of different types of architecture and then loosely based the houses on the sculpture design with what you’d find around Swindon.

“I was really surprised and excited when I found out The NSBRC had picked my design and to now see it become a real thing is amazing.

“I’ve been to some of the Wild In Art trails before in different places and I’ve always thought it is a fun and exciting thing to do and a way of seeing different art.

“I really can’t believe my design is going to be one of them.”

New College student Alice Irvine painting her Swindog

The Big Dog Art Trail will be raising funds for Julia’s House children’s hospice to help continue to care for the most seriously ill children and their families in Swindon and across Wiltshire.

Alice’s Swindog along with the 29 others up for auction at the end of the trail. You can bid for your favourite Swindon sculpture at the Grand Auction to be held at 7-9pm on 19 September at the STEAM Museum.

Sculptures Artists App Charity