Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees is set to bound into our lives this time next year and event organisers are inviting schools, colleges and community groups to join in the fun by adopting their very own Snowdog pup.
Next autumn, the streets and open spaces of Kirklees will become home to a pack of beautifully decorated Snowdog sculptures, each individually designed by local and national artists, designers and illustrators.
Organised by The Kirkwood in partnership with Wild in Art, Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees will be a free large scale art event. It’s set to bring a real buzz to towns and villages across the district, attracting thousands of visitors and helping families to enjoy the great outdoors together.
Now event organisers are inviting schools, colleges and community groups to be part of West Yorkshire’s first major public art trail.
Snowdogs Support Life, Kirklees will bring around 60 Snowdog sculptures to Kirklees for the eight-week event, including up to 30 Snowdog ‘pups’ created by local children, teachers and community groups.
When a school, college or group signs up to take part they will receive a blank Snowdog pup, which they’ll be able to design and decorate themselves. They’ll also get a special creative learning pack to help teachers to bring the subject to life in the classroom – particularly in lessons such as art, English and citizenship.
The smaller (but just as cute) Snowdog ‘pups’ will take pride of place alongside their big brothers in cultural and leisure hubs across Kirklees, standing loud and proud for thousands of visitors to enjoy.
Students will then be encouraged to visit their masterpieces by following the trail and visiting not only their school or group’s sculpture, but many others along the way.
Following the conclusion of the trail, these amazing works of art will be returned to their creators as a lasting memory of the project.
Kathryn Box, from The Kirkwood, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be offering local schools and community groups the chance to get involved in this first of its kind event for West Yorkshire. It’s a chance to bring our communities together in something fun and exciting that people of all generations are sure to get behind and enjoy.
“Snowdogs Support life, Kirklees will allow young people to express their talents in art and design, giving them a creative platform to make their own mark in their community.”
Resources linked to the poignant story of The Snowman™ and The Snowdog will help schools to address bereavement issues in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, helping young people understand the importance of supporting those who have experienced loss.
And, of course, there will be templates for children and young people to sketch out their imaginative and inspiring Snowdog designs.
Kathryn said: “We hope that young people, as well as teachers and group leaders will be excited to take part by adopting and designing their very own Snowdog pup.
“Every school and community group here in Kirklees can get involved, and we’d love to hear from as many as possible.”
“We believe taking part in Snowdogs Support life, Kirklees will create many happy memories for local people – especially the younger generations. We also hope to raise The Kirkwood’s profile and give our community something to be proud about for years to come.”
When a school, college or group signs up to take part they will pledge to help The Kirkwood Support Life by raising £750 over a 12-month period.
There are lots of ways to raise money for your sculpture and learning pack as part of this project, such as fundraising over a period of time, and The Kirkwood would be delighted to discuss the different financing options with your school or group.
Only a limited number of sculptures are available so get in touch today to sign up!
If your school or youth group would like to get involved in this exciting public art event, find out more at: www.snowdogskirklees.org.uk/schools, call Julia or Joanna on: 01484 557 911 or email: fundraising@thekirkwood.org.uk
