An ‘ox-traordinary’ sculpture trail will be brought to the city by Sobell House Hospice and Wild in Art this Summer.
A herd of more than 130 ox sculptures will take over Oxfordshire this Summer in ‘OxTrail’, an art event for the county.
The huge art installation trail is being brought to the region by Sobell House Hospice charity and Wild in Art and kicks off on 06 July 2024.
The incredible collection will comprise 31 large oxen sculptures, each uniquely decorated and placed in key locations across one of the UK’s most historic and iconic cities.
The large oxen have been designed by International and UK artists, who were invited to submit their designs last year for selection.
Of the 190 entrants, OxTrail sponsors selected 31 designs and 17 of those are based in or have close connections to Oxfordshire – designs inspired by local wildlife, landscape and culture.
Selected artists include children’s illustrator kOrky Paul and author David Melling.
Across the county, businesses, organisations, artists and schools will support the trail. There will also be more than 100 ‘mini oxen’.
Around 85 schools and community groups are participating in OxTrail as part of the mini oxen sculptures to be displayed in mini herds across the county in libraries, hotels and community spaces.
Groups, such as The Girl Guides, will have a ‘calf-sized’ herd of decorated and personalised oxen, as well as individually fundraising for Sobell House Hospice.
Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘mini-mini oxen’, which can be found in the windows of the Oxford Story Museum, and other specially designed mini oxen, including two from noted interior designer Annie Sloan CBE.
Families can explore the city and spot the oxen in and around the county, following the trail using the app or map.
In Westgate Shopping Centre, OxTrail will also host its official merchandise shop for those looking for souvenirs.
The OxTrail art will be on display until the end of August. On Friday, 13 September, the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise money for the hospice.
OxTrail is being held in partnership with ‘Wild in Art’. Cities globally have famously brought their streets to life via Wild in Art installations, including Manchester, Sydney, Cape Town and São Paulo.
‘Wild in Art’ is the leading producer of spectacular public art events aimed to entertain, inform and connect communities – its projects aim to give people of all ages a voice through art.
Head to the OxTrail Website for more information.
