Surrey Hills Partnership reveals its CowParade entrant

Surrey: November 20, 2015: The Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Mike Band, has officially unveiled Surrey Hills Partnership's stunning entry to the CowParade 2016.

The striking chrome cow painted by metal work specialists Spray Chrome UK, which reflects the landscape of the Surrey Hills, was formally revealed to members of Surrey Hills Partnership before it takes its place as one of a number of brightly-coloured cows set to decorate the hills, farms, towns, schools and popular landmarks across Surrey next year as the county takes part in the world’s biggest public arts event.

Partnership members discovered from CowParade Leader Tim Metson how organisers hope to encourage schoolchildren, celebrities, sportsmen, businesses and charities to take part in a mammoth fund-raising event for good causes that will promote tourism and business.

The idea of the CowParade is that individuals, companies and schools will sponsor a life-size cow and either decorate it themselves, or bring in an artist to do it. The cows will then be displayed around the county before being herded to the inaugural Surrey Hills Food, Drink and Music Festival next summer where they will be auctioned off. Those judged to be extra special will be auctioned at a glittering ceremony held at a unique London location later in the year. In a novel move, while the models are being decorated and moved around, their location can be tracked via a specially-created app.

The cow owners can choose their own charity and the auction proceeds will be split between that and The Surrey Hills Trust Fund, established with the Community Foundation for Surrey, to conserve and protect the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, leaving a legacy for generations to come. The fund supports local community projects and enterprise schemes that benefit and conserve the Surrey Hills.

Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Mike Band said: “The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers a quarter of the County of Surrey, a high proportion of which falls within Waverley Borough. I have lived in the Surrey Hills for over 40 years and I am very keen to protect this special area for future generations to enjoy. I see CowParade Surrey Hills as a great opportunity to raise awareness of this special landscape and raise funds for one of my chosen mayoral charities, the Surrey Hills Trust Fund.”

Cow Parade Leader Tim Metson said: "CowParade is the world’s largest public art event and it provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the Surrey Hills and in particular farming. My family have been farming at Coverwood Farm in Ewhurst since the 1950s, and we have seen many changes. The high land and labour prices, together with the depression in agricultural incomes, create a massive pressure to give up farming or diversify which does not benefit the Surrey Hills. Cow Parade coming to the Surrey Hills allows us to shine a light on what an important role farmers play as custodians of the landscape.”

CowParade was born in Switzerland in 1998 and has been staged in more than 80 cities and towns worldwide. Over the years 3,000 cows have been decorated by more than 5,000 artists. CowParade New York had 450 cows and was seen worldwide by 45 million people. The highest-grossing cow was created by designer John Rocha for CowParade Dublin in 2003 — studded with thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal it was auctioned for $146,000 — quite a lot of moo-lah indeed.

For more information on how to take part call the Surrey Hills CowParade team on 01483 661150 or visit the website at www.cowparadesurreyhills.com

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
20th November 2015