Local and national artists have submitted nearly 500 designs for The Great Tail Trail.
They’re hoping to be selected to bring one of 45 giant mermaid tail sculptures to life in one of the biggest art events in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole next year.
The submissions have now been shortlisted by children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House, and trail partner, Wild in Art.
At an event at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality stadium, all the local businesses who have sponsored a mermaid tail will get to choose their favourite artwork from the shortlisted entries and have it painted onto their sculpture by their chosen artist.
The final designs will create a free family-friendly sculpture art trail for the public to enjoy throughout the BCP area next spring.
Once the trail is over, all the unique and colourful sculptures will be brought together under one roof at the Bournemouth International Centre from 14-15 June for a grand farewell weekend.
The giant one-of-a-kind pieces of art will then be auctioned to art lovers at a special event held at Compton Acres on 20 June to raise money for Julia’s House.
Julia’s House has partnered with Wild in Art, the leading producer of spectacular public art events, to bring The Great Tail Trail to BCP.
Wild in Art’s Art and Learning Manager, Annie Laughrin, was on the selection panel along with staff from Julia’s House.
She said: “We’ve received some absolutely incredible designs and it was really difficult to create our shortlist because the standard and quality of the artwork was so high.
“When we make our selection we’re looking to include a range of artistic styles and mediums, local references, originality and bright, colourful, family friendly designs that will make The Great Tail Trail a really fun and exciting art experience.
“We’re looking at what will appeal to sponsors, and ultimately, a design that people would love to own as lasting memory of the trail, which will help the whole event raise vital funds for Julia’s House.”
Laura Maidment, Public Fundraising Manager for Julia’s House, said: “We’ve received designs from artists all over the UK, but it was especially exciting to see so many wonderful designs from local artists, many of which made the final selection.
“We’ve had to make some really difficult decisions, of course, but we’re delighted with our shortlist.
“We can’t wait to see which designs catch the eyes of our sponsors at the selection event and go on to feature on the trail next spring!
“We’ve still got a few sponsor places available, including headline sponsorship opportunities and we’d love local businesses to get in touch.
“It’s going to be a huge event in BCP next year, so you won’t want to miss out!”