Brighton & Hove-based charity Martlets has announced that Goring-based Alison Lapper MBE, the renowned mouth and foot artist and disability awareness campaigner, has joined more than 40 local artists in designing a Shaun the Sheep sculpture for its upcoming art trail. The Shaun by the Sea trail runs from 9 September to 5 November 2023 and aims to raise funds for Martlets Hospice, whilst bringing the community together.
Born with a limb deficiency that resulted in no arms and shortened legs, Alison has overcome adversity and established herself as a leading figure in the art world. She received a degree in Fine Art from the University of Brighton and was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. Alison gained international recognition in 2005 when a statue of her, titled Alison Lapper pregnant, was displayed on the fourth plinth of Trafalgar Square. The statue sparked vital conversations about disability awareness and challenged the public’s perceptions of beauty.
Alison announced her participation at a packed-out Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce event, sharing the exclusive opportunity for a local business to sponsor, or ‘adopt’, her work and to support Martlets.
Speaking about her involvement in the art trail, Alison said: “By taking part in the Shaun by the Sea art trail, I really hope to bring a bit of glitter and sparkle to everyone’s day. Working with the team at Martlets – who have touched so many local families’ lives through their hospice care – I really think this is a wonderful way to celebrate the privilege that is life.”
Previous Martlets art trails, such as Snowdogs and SnailSpace, have attracted thousands of visitors to the city, generated millions of social media impressions and garnered global press and TV interest. The Shaun by the Sea art trail is brought to the city in association with Wild in Art, the organisation that partnered with Martlets on previous art trails.
Claire Irving, Martlets’ CEO, said: “We’re so happy the news is out! Alison is joining an already impressive roster of artists for this year’s trail. We’re excited for the local business that chooses to seize this opportunity and be part of the #BrightonFlock with Martlets.
Irving added: “At Martlets, we’re currently rebuilding our Hospice in Hove to transform access to vital hospice care across our community. Every supporter of Shaun by the Sea will be helping to ensure that Martlets can continue to provide care and comfort from our newly remodelled Hospice.”
For more information about how you can get involved and support the art trail and to download a sponsorship pack go to shaunbythesea.co.uk or email sponsors@shaunbythesea.co.uk.
Martlets is looking forward to seeing the Brighton & Hove community come together for this baa-rilliant event!
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