Udderly creative designs to feature in Surrey Hills CowParade

Surrey: January 21, 2016: If companies or schools are struggling for inspiration, Surrey Hills Enterprises has been working with a number of local artists to develop a range of eye-catching designs for its CowParade.

While sponsor organisations or educational establishments can opt to decorate their own life-size cow or ‘mini moo’ for the world’s biggest public arts event, they can also select one of the inventive designs already developed.

Surrey-based artists s uch as Nina Nott, Dominique Salm, Colette Clegg, Alison G Saunders, Adam Green, Becci Kenning, Phil Bates and Jill Flower have already lent their support by submitting a selection of inspirational designs that are available to sponsors on a first come, first served basis.

“We’ve been so impressed by the designs that have been suggested so far as they are so imaginative and creative,” said: Ali Clarke, Programme Manager, Surrey Hills Arts. “They are wonderfully diverse in both subject matter and style from the figurative, decorative and contemporary. Sponsors will be spoilt for choice in selecting a design for their cows.”

Ali added: “The feedback to the initial set of 30 designs that are featured on our website and social media pages has been fantastic. We would love to hear from any other local artists who would like to get involved as it would be great to have as many taking part as possible.”

The cows, which can be standing, sitting or grazing, will be displayed around the county before being herded to the inaugural Surrey Hills Food, Drink and Music Festival on September 3 where they will be auctioned off. Those judged to be extra special will be auctioned at a gala dinner 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 initiative, which is set to raise money for the Surrey Hills Trust Fund as well as other charitable organisations, has already secured offers of support from key organisations including the National Trust, schools and Surrey businesses such as Sandown Park Racecourse. The event will be driven by Coverwood Lakes & Farm and Surrey Hills Enterprises and has support from Surrey Community Foundation and the backing of Surrey County Council.

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
21st January 2016