Deadline Approaching: Oxfordshire’s Chance to Shine in OxTrail 2024

Oxfordshire organisations have a unique opportunity to join OxTrail 2024, an innovative public art event, with sign-ups closing on December 1st. This is a chance for local entities to be part of Oxford’s first-ever public art trail and contribute to a significant community initiative.

Last Opportunity for Local Engagement

This event, supporting Sobell House Hospice, invites businesses, schools, and community groups to register by December 1st. Amelia Foster, CEO of Sobell House Hospice Charity, said, “We’ve seen huge demand from local organisations wanting to get involved in OxTrail which is fantastic news for the city and is getting us really excited for next year and the launch of the trail in the summer.”

A Collaborative Effort for Community and Tourism

Participating organizations will join forces with the likes of the Oxford Bus Company, Oxford City Football Club, and Blenheim Palace, playing a vital role in driving local engagement and tourism.

An Artistic Journey Across Oxford

The event, led by Sobell House Hospice, will feature life-sized oxen sculptures, artistically decorated, gracing the city’s landmarks and public spaces for eight weeks from July 6th, 2024. Mini herds will also be displayed throughout the county.

Deadline for Sponsorship and Participation

Businesses and schools have a limited time to sponsor an ox or fundraise for a mini ox. This phase is crucial for the subsequent design process and the arrival of sculptures next year.

Exciting Networking and Educational Opportunities

Businesses sponsoring an ox will gain access to exclusive networking events. Additionally, schools and youth groups can join the educational OxTrail Learning Programme in partnership with Oxford Brookes University. Amelia Foster added, “Businesses that sponsor an ox will be invited to exclusive events next year where they can network with other local companies, as well as being able to use it as an opportunity to engage both their staff and customers.”

Community Schools Eager to Participate

Lynn Knapp, headteacher at Windmill Primary School, one of the early registrants, shared, “As a school who loves to support community events, we are delighted to be taking part in the OxTrail event… We are looking forward to getting our fund-raising going and designing and painting our ox which we hope will be shared with many visitors to Oxford.”

Corporate Support and Enthusiasm

Luke Marion, Managing Director of the Oxford Bus Company, expressed their commitment, saying, “We are proud to partner with this fantastic initiative that will help encourage people to visit Oxford and raise money for a good cause… We’re looking forward to seeing OxTrail go live and helping to raise awareness of the vital work Sobell House Hospice does in Oxfordshire.”

The Event’s Grand Finale and Ongoing Legacy

After displaying the art until early September 2024, the large sculptures will be auctioned to support the hospice, and the smaller ones will be returned to schools and other organizations.

How to Get Involved

For more information on participation, visit www.oxtrail2024.co.uk. OxTrail is part of a partnership with Wild in Art, renowned for their art installations in cities globally.

This event promises to be a landmark occasion for Oxfordshire, blending art, community engagement, and support for a noble cause.