Enjoy a cartoon caper around the city with Snoopy
DOZENS of giant sculptures of cartoon legend Snoopy are set to appear in Cardiff – as part of a new fundraising art trail.
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has announced it will be unleashing the super-sized artworks on the city next autumn.
Teaming up with Peanuts, the trail featuring the world-famous beagle will take visitors along some of the best dog walking routes in the capital and aims to raise awareness and funds for the charity – which will soon be opening a rehoming centre in the city.
A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy, made in collaboration with creative producers Wild in Art, will then remain in place for 10 weeks.
It will feature unique and colourful Snoopy sculptures – initially blank as seen in the pictures of the classic character – designed by Cardiff-based and national artists.
Each sculpture will be sponsored by a business or individual. At the end of the trail, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for Dogs Trust.
It follows the success of the Snowdogs trail, which came to Cardiff in 2017 and supported Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice.
Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: “A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy is an exciting new adventure for Dogs Trust.
“I can’t wait to see the iconic Snoopy brought to life, bringing colour and fun to the streets of Cardiff.
“We’ve been helping dogs in Wales for more than 50 years through our presence in Bridgend; but we’re especially excited to open our 21 rehoming centre in Cardiff in 2021 which will allow us to care for an additional 1,000 dogs in Wales each year and provide jobs and volunteering opportunities within the community.
“The trail’s aim is to raise pounds for hounds so that we can continue to improve dog welfare in Wales.
“We know that it is going to be a spectacular exhibition for everyone who joins in and we’re excited to make A Dog’s Trail a lasting legacy, just like Snoopy himself!”
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Cardiff and working with Dogs Trust and Peanuts to create A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy – our first ever dogfriendly art trail.
“Our events are designed to bring the enjoyment of public art to everyone while offering new ways for people to explore their local area, but we need the support of local businesses to make it happen.
“Sponsorship of a Snoopy sculpture is a fabulous opportunity and there are many exciting ways to benefit from a collaboration with us whilst supporting Dogs Trust’s amazing work.”
Snoopy was first introduced to the world as part of the Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles M Schulz and which first appeared in print in 1950.
Councillor Peter Bradbury, Cardiff Council cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy to Cardiff and helping to create a public art event that will have the potential to raise a lot of money for Dogs Trust, whilst celebrating the creativity and community at the heart of our city.
“Previous art trails have brought more than 350,000 visitors to the city and generated £10m for the local economy.
“World events have made 2020 a difficult year for all of us so the promise of A Dog’s Trail brightening the city’s streets as we head towards the end of 2021 really is something special to look forward to.”