Art lovers and adventurers of all ages will have a hoot this summer as 30 uniquely designed owls – each standing on a plinth at over 6ft tall – will be waiting to be discovered on a fun, free and easy-to-follow art trail. For eight weeks from 17 August, there will be something for everyone to enjoy as the giant decorated owl sculptures start appearing across Haringey. Organised by North London Hospice the trail aims to raise awareness and funds for the vital charity.
Download the app and follow the trail
Using an app to unlock rewards as you go, or following a paper map, residents and visitors will need to keep their eyes wide as they search for the sculptures, each painted by a different local artist. Tottenham and Arsenal football supporters will want to seek out their team themed owls while fans of TV personality, Matt Lucas, will love his colourful owl. There’s also a delightful design from children’s author Rob Biddulph. Download the app here.
The owls will be hidden in plain sight alongside more than 25 smaller owlets, which will be hosted indoors. Designed by local schools and community groups from Barnet, Enfield and Haringey, the sculptures will celebrate the vibrancy, culture, and creativity that North London has to offer, highlighting iconic spots such as Alexandra Palace and the Tottenham Hotspur stadium as well as local hidden gems.
A first for North London
The first mass participation event of its kind in North London, the venture is being run in partnership with world-renowned creative producers Wild in Art. North London Hospice, which serves the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey communities, as well as providing some services in Camden and Islington, picked owls because they are known for their wisdom and kindness and for passing on stories through generations and across cultures. Hospice staff, like owls, also work through the night supporting patients and healthcare professionals, providing free end-of-life care.
The adventure trail will help the charity to raise much-needed funds to meet its annual running costs of more than £16 million.
Grant Morgan, father of 22-year-old Jack Morgan who was cared for at North London Hospice, has called on residents and visitors to London to support the Big Fun Art Adventure. Grant says, “Jack was diagnosed with an incredibly rare cancer and our family experienced the exceptional care and devotion of the hospice. Dr Jo Brady was a phenomenal support and shining light to us all during those very dark days, and for that, we shall be forever grateful. We will always remember the support the hospice provided. The team were there for us when we needed them.”
After eight weeks on their perches, there will be the chance to say a final goodbye at a special farewell event where all the owls come together before they are auctioned to raise money for North London Hospice. The owlets will be returned to their forever nests with their school or group.
Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder Wild in Art said: “The owls will bring colour and creativity to North London and I have no doubt that they will capture everyone’s imagination. The trail will be a great opportunity for people to discover the local area and experience some truly unique and inspiring artwork, while finding out more about the important work of North London Hospice.”
The hospice hopes that the Big Fun Art Adventure will bring people together in a memorable way, whilst helping to make a difference to those in need of end-of-life care.
For further press information, please visit https://bigfunartadventure.org
