The wait is finally over. Superstar DJ and local business owner, Norman Cook (AKA Fatboy Slim), took to the stage at Theatre Royal, Brighton, today to reveal the identity of the next public art installation to be hosted across the city by Martlets. Three giant snails, two uniquely decorated by artists, were unveiled before an invited audience of businesses, artists and community groups. Snailspace is the much-anticipated follow up to the hugely successful Snowdogs by the Sea, which raised £310,000 for Martlets and contributed in excess of £10m to the local economy.
Martlets are once again working with Wild in Art (the country’s leading producer of creative art events) to bring a second, spectacular public art installation to the city in autumn 2018. A host of giant snails, designed by Wild in Art’s Creative Director Chris Wilkinson, will sneak their way into the streets of Brighton and Hove next year, each one uniquely decorated by a different artist. Businesses across the city and beyond will be able to sponsor their own sculpture to benefit from a vast range of marketing and PR opportunities, whilst also supporting this much-loved, local charity.
Speaking about Snailspace and why giant snails have been chosen to follow on from the hugely popular, Snowdogs, Imelda Glackin, CEO Martlets said:
“The snail sculpture resonates wonderfully with the work we do at Martlets. Our life-changing hospice care helps people do the things they love with the time they have. In this fast-paced city it’s often hard to remember to slow down and appreciate the things in life that make us smile. The strikingly painted snails across our city will be a constant reminder to take a moment to enjoy the time we have with the people we share our lives with.”
She continued, “The snail also carries its home wherever it goes. It’s a comforting reminder that being home or feeling at home is incredibly important to the patients and families we help and support.”
Charlie Langhorne, Director of Wild in Art explained why a snail was his sculpture of choice for the city: “Love them or hate them, everyone will be talking about Snails! Brighton is a quirky, creative city and needed an unexpected sculpture to follow the Snowdogs. Discovering a giant version of a creature that is usually so small should trigger a moment of reflection, as well as raising a smile; it reminds us all to slow down and enjoy the beauty in everyday things. The shell also provides a wonderful canvas, crucial for an artistic city like Brighton. The educational opportunities around shells, such as exploring Fibonacci Spirals and Golden Ratios, also work brilliantly for the Learning Programme, which is a key strand of the event. #BeMoreSnail is a motto we’re sure Brighton will embrace.”
Despite the identity of the sculpture being a closely guarded secret until today, many businesses, such as Brighton Marina, British Airways i360, Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP, Salt Rooms and Visit Brighton have already pledged their support. Celebrity ambassador and Snowdog sponsor, Norman Cook (AKA Fatboy Slim) had no hesitation in getting involved with the next campaign:
“I was delighted to be asked by the Martlets to be a sponsor and ambassador for Snailspace. As many people know I have a personal connection to the hospice and am always happy to support their fundraising events as they provide an amazing service for our community. But, I’m especially keen to be involved in another art event as I can honestly say that for my kids, especially my daughter Nellie, having a Snowdog, was the coolest thing I’ve ever done!”
In total there will be 50 giant snails available for sponsorship in iconic locations around the city. There is also a one-off opportunity to be Snailspace ‘Presenting Partner’, a unique way for a business or organisation to become synonymous with Snailspace and benefit from its profile within the city at every stage. Martlets are also keen to secure a sponsor for the Learning Programme, which proved to be such a popular part of the Snowdog campaign. The ambition is to ensure that as many schools and youth groups within the city as possible engage with Snailspace’s creative educational activities and resources.
Businesses are encouraged to get in touch with Martlets as soon as possible to secure their involvement and make the most of participating in this unique event. To download a sponsorship pack, visit www.snailspacebrighton.co.uk or contact Sarah Harvey, Project Manager sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk
