No, it’s not some new terrifying sign of the apocalypse because the four horsemen are on hols, it’s Martlets Hospice’s latest brilliant art and fundraising project, Snailspace. We’ve had snowdogs and snowcats, and now it’s the turn of the giant snail.
Martlets, the local charity that cares for and supports people with terminal illness, has once more teamed up with Wild in Art (who they worked with on 2016’s Snowdogs by the Sea project) to deliver a mass-participation sculpture trail that is great fun for everyone, all whilst raising vital funds. Until 18th November you’ll be able to discover heaps of gastropods – large and small – all around Brighton & Hove.
The 50 giant snails have been decorated by well-known artists and residents, such as David Shrigley (spot Slimon outside Brighton Dome), Art + Believe (the Inca Snail, pictured with the artists below, is chilling at the Royal Pavilion) and Cassette Lord (Fast Forward the Mixtape Snail is admiring the view at Hove Lagoon). You can read the artist’s story behind the snail on the Snailspace website.
There are also over 57 junior snails, which have been decorated by children at local schools. Each snail is totally different and we’d highly recommend following the wonderful Snailspace routes to spot them all. It’s also a great time to practise the project’s ‘be more snail’ concept – trying to focus on taking things more slowly and enjoying the moment rather than living in fast-forward. You can pick up a map in one of the Martlets charity shops or download one here.
There are lots of fun events to get involved in, but we particularly like the one-off Snailway Safari on the evening of 12th October, a ‘glow-slow’ sponsored walk (6.3opm – 9.30pm). There’s a farewell event on 1st – 2nd December before the snails are auctioned off at a public auction on 3rd December. So there’s plenty of time to find your favourite!
As Martlets say: Get out there and #BeMoreSnail – take the slow road and wander wherever the urge takes you, wonder at the unique sculptures and spend time with friends and family in a new, slow and mindful way. We can’t wait!
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