The Snowman art trail comes to MediaCityUK
A festive sculpture trail is to take place around MediaCityUK this Christmas to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book The Snowman. This is the first time that a sculpture trail inspired by the nation’s favourite Christmas story has ever been created.
A festive sculpture trail is to take place around MediaCityUK this Christmas to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book The Snowman. This is the first time that a sculpture trail inspired by the nation’s favourite Christmas story has ever been created.
Walking with The Snowman is presented by Wild in Art, organisers of the Bee in the City art trail which captured the hearts of Manchester’s residents and visitors this summer, and is a collaboration with Penguin Ventures, part of publisher Penguin Random House UK. Peel and the Lowry Outlet are confirmed as Presenting Partners for the trail.
Taking place from 22 November 2018 until 6 January 2019, Walking with The Snowman will feature twelve giant Snowman sculptures themed around the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each sculpture will be designed and decorated by one of twelve talented artists, all of whom painted a Bee for the Bee in the City trail.
The sculptures will go under the hammer in an online charity auction in early December to raise money for BBC Children in Need. Bidders will be able to buy a Snowman sculpture as a gift before Christmas and visit it at MediaCityUK before the trail closes in January. At the end of the event sculptures will make their way to their forever homes with successful bidders.
An inspiring learning programme supported by Salford City Council will allow local school pupils to take part in the event and decorate their own smaller 1-metre-tall Snowman sculptures. These will be displayed inside cultural and leisure venues around MediaCityUK to form part of the magical trail. The medium-sized sculptures painted by children and young people will fly onto the trail in early December and stay until 13 January 2019, before being returned to the schools that created them as a lasting legacy.
There are a number of opportunities for businesses and schools keen to get involved. Companies wanting more information about sponsoring a giant Snowman sculpture or schools wanting to take part in the Learning Programme are encouraged to visit www.walkingwiththesnowman.co.uk to find out more.
Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art, says:
“We're really excited to continue our partnership with Penguin Ventures on Walking with The Snowman. During the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs’ original picture book, The Snowman, it seemed the perfect time to bring this classic character to life in 3D sculpture form.
The festive art trail is supported by Peel and the Lowry Outlet who were keen to get involved in an event which brings artists, sponsors and schools together to showcase their creativity.
What’s more, this year’s legacy for Walking with The Snowman includes helping our chosen charity beneficiary, BBC Children in Need, raise valuable funds. If you’re keen to get involved with this special Christmas art event, please get in touch with us to discuss opportunities.”
Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCityUK, says:
“We’re delighted to support this unique Walking with The Snowman sculpture trail. Public art works well at MediaCityUK and it’s great that the exhibition will also involve the creative skills of many local school children as well as give the site a festive feel.”
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