A pack of much-loved, 1.5m tall fibreglass Snowdogs are taking over streets, iconic buildings and open spaces in Cardiff this autumn as part of Snowdogs: Tails in Wales — a public art trail that has been set up by Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin Random House to help raise vital funds for Tŷ Hafan, the only children’s hospice in South Wales. How many of the individually decorated Snowdogs will you find?
The theme of the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales initiative was inspired by the animated film THE SNOWMAN™AND THE SNOWDOG. This sequel to Raymond Briggs’ iconic picturebook and animation THE SNOWMAN™, tells the story of how a little boy is comforted when the Snowman and Snowdog he builds mysteriously come to life and take him on a magical adventure at a time when he is mourning the loss of his pet dog.
Tŷ Hafan has been particularly drawn to the concepts of dealing with loss and friendship in the story, with these themes reflected in the support offered at the hospice in Sully and in communities across Wales.
All of the Snowdogs will be in place as part of the extraordinary public art trail between September 16th 2017 and November 26th 2017, with friends, family and local businesses being encouraged to get out in the open air and find them all using this app and a special trail map.
After the event, each of the large Snowdog sculptures will be sold at auction to raise funds for Tŷ Hafan — which needs £4 million every year to provide services to those families that need them.
Kate Phipps, CEO of Tŷ Hafan, commented: “This is one of our most exciting campaigns ever, as the Snowdogs trail will form part of everyday life for 10 weeks, with the giant Snowdogs visible on the streets, parks, beaches and iconic buildings.
As well as raising money for children with life-limiting conditions, taking part in the trail will encourage friends and families to spend time together, exploring their favourite places around Cardiff and the Vale and rediscovering some of the area’s hidden gems.
At the hospice, one of our main goals is to enable families to make precious memories that last a lifetime – and that’s what we believe the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales trail will mean for families across south Wales, creating a shared experience for the whole community.”
Download the app now to get involved in the Snowdogs: Tails in Wales event and rediscover what makes Cardiff such a fantastic city!