Old Town businesses work together to get ‘Swindog' in prime spot
The Big Dog Art trail, the first of its kind for Swindon, is set to start on 15th July at locations across the town and the project aims to raise thousands for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Major businesses like Zurich, Intel and Beard are on board as main sponsors for some of the 30 balloon dog sculptures that will be in position across the town. Wanting to support the scheme, but unable to afford sponsorship individually Old Town businesses have clubbed together to get their very own Swindog.
The Old Town Business Association, otherwise known publicly as Friends of Old Town, encouraged six of the businesses in Old Town to work together and co-sponsor a Swindog to go at the head of Wood Street. Vice-Chair of the Association Kris Talikowski commented,
“I’ve always felt Swindon needed an art trail to draw more people into the town, enjoy fantastic art and get kids and families out and about in the local area. I went to the launch event and wanted to find a way to make sure the trail doesn’t forget the independent businesses in Swindon. I am so happy we’ve got a great collaboration in Charles Harding, Los Gatos, Domino’s Pizza, Deacons, Willoby’s Furniture and Gustoso Cafe all co-sponsored their very own Swindog."
The pictured dog is not the final design that will go in Old Town, that is being kept under wraps until the launch in July. Many local artists have been involved in producing the Swindog designs and trail visitors will be able to use a downloadable map or The Big Dog Art Trail App to find all the sculptures across the town. The QR codes on each dog will activate offers and deals provided by the sponsors. In Old town offers range from 50% off pizza at Dominos to 20% off a meal at Los Gatos”.
Michael from Charles Harding said: “It’s fantastic to be involved in such a great project. Bringing together families, art and lots of fun is great for Swindon and great that it will be outside our Old Town store. Charles Harding has been a strong part of the Swindon community for over 40 years and we will continue to support great initiatives like this”
The Big Dog Art Trail will run from 15th July to 3rd September and families will have around eight weeks to find the sculptures across the town. At the end of the trail the sculptures will be auctioned off to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.