A new public art event in the North East will see animated character The Snowdog set sail across the North Sea thanks to a sponsorship deal with DFDS, which was announced this week.
Around 80 large sculptures based on the popular character from The Snowman™ and The Snowdog will form a mass public arts trail around Tyne and Wear including from September to December this year in an event to support St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice.
As a key supporter and sponsor of a Great North Snowdog, DFDS will host one of the giant sculptures onboard its ship Princess Seaways during August. The DFDS Snowdog will be decorated to fit a maritime theme and will sail between Newcastle and Amsterdam every day for the ferry company’s passengers to enjoy.
The DFDS Snowdog will help promote the Great North Snowdogs public art trail and encourage visitors to sample the North East’s wealth of cultural attractions. The chance to name the Snowdog will be opened up to DFDS’ Facebook fans in an upcoming competition with the winner also able to take a tour of the bridge whilst the ship is docked in port, visit www.facebook.com/dfdsseawaysuk.
The trail will feature sculptures sponsored by businesses and decorated by national and local artists. At the end of the year, the Great North Snowdogs will be auctioned and money raised from the sale of the unique sculptures will support St Oswald’s Hospice Children’s Service, which cares for children with incurable conditions.
Max Foster, passenger director for DFDS, said: “We’re excited to be a sponsor of the Great North Snowdogs and support the creation of yet another fantastic visitor attraction for the region. We look forward to seeing the designs for our Snowdog next month and to helping as many people as possible to discover the trail and explore the region.”
To track the progress of the painting and installation of the DFDS Snowdog follow the company on Twitter @DFDSSeaways. More information about Great North Snowdogs is available at www.greatnorthsnowdogs.co.uk.