What’s the Big Hoot all about?
A family-friendly fun day out in Chichester and Arundel
Watch out for 30 arty owl sculptures nesting around Chichester and Arundel in summer 2024. For eight weeks people of all ages will be able to discover these decorative art sculptures nestled in various locations across the two town centres.
Whether you’re visiting for the day, or you’re a local, young or old – there’s fun to be had for everyone! You’ll be able to follow the outdoor and fully accessible trail, finding each owl – which are all unique and tell a different story through their design.
Put the date in your diary: 10 July 2024 – 1 September 2024
An artistic showcase
Every owl will be uniquely designed by local and national artists, these owls will be nestling around Chichester and Arundel for your to explore.
and we’ll also have a parliament of little owls decorated by local schools and children’s groups. These mini sculptures will be displayed in indoor venues around Chichester.
All of the large owls will be auctioned at the end of the trail to raise money for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.
FAQs about the art trail
What is the Big Hoot?
The Big Hoot is a free sculpture trail, taking place in Chichester and Arundel in July – September 2024. The sculptures have been designed by different artists, and there’ll be 30 unique owls to find!
There’ll also be an exhibition of all our little owlets – mini owl sculptures – designed and decorated by local schools and youth groups.
Who’s behind The Big Hoot?
The Big Hoot 2024 is a Wild in Art event, all in support of Chestnut Tree House – a children’s hospice located just outside Arundel. Find out about Chestnut Tree House.
Is the trail free?
Yes!
You’ll be able to enjoy all the owls completely for free.
Where will the owls be located?
All owls will be located in Chichester and Arundel. There’ll be an app you can download which will help you locate all the owls – and we’ll also have paper maps available.
Check back nearer the time for more information.
Who are Minerva and Chester?
Minerva is our magnificent heroine owl, she’s been inspired by the Roman history of Chichester and her namesake – the Roman goddess of art. Minerva was painted by local artist Judith Berrill in 2023 – and since her grand unveiling helping us announce The Big Hoot, she’s been touring the local area getting everyone excited about the full art trail to come!
Chester is our friendly owlet mascot! He’s been out and about posing for pics with sponsors and meeting the public. Chester’s been designed by Stuart Upperton, who’s been sharing his artistic skills at Chestnut Tree House since we opened!
- Find out about Stuart and Chester >
- Want to meet Minerva or Chester? Follow us on social media to find out where they’ll be next
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Get involved
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity for businesses, the creative sector and communities to come together to create something special. There are many exciting ways to benefit from creative collaborations with your sponsorship support.
Winner – 2023 2023 Year of Culture Project, Leeds Compassionate City Awards
Finalist – Best Arts or Cultural Event, New Zealand Events Awards 2023
Finalist – Best Use of Event or Community Fundraising Initiative, Scottish Fundraising Awards 2023
Community Initiative of the Year, IOM Newspapers Awards for Excellence 2022 – Hospice Isle of Man
Special Recognition Award, Kent Charity Awards 2022 – Heart of Kent Hospice
Campaign of the Year, Scottish Charity Awards 2022 – Leuchie House
Commendation – Mobile/App Design Award, Scottish Design Awards 2022 – Blue 2
Finalist – NZEA Best Event Creative 2021 – Publica
Silver – Gov Design Awards 2021 – RCH Foundation & Alexander Know
Bee in the City, Manchester – Best Event, Manchester Culture Awards 2019
Winner – Event of the Year, PPA Scottish Magazine Awards 2019
Best Event of the Year, PR Moment Awards 2019
Finalist, Family Event of the Year, Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2019
Glasgow Inspiring City Awards, Art and Culture Award Winner 2019
Bee in the City, Manchester – App of the Year, Prolific North Awards 2019
Sally-Ann Wilkinson – Manchester BEE Award, Inspiring Women Awards 2019
Event of the Year and Charity Award Finalist, PRCA Dare Awards 2019
Best Not-for-Profit Event, New Zealand Events Association Awards 2018
Best Art Event / Exhibition, CityLife Awards 2018
Leading Live Event, This is Manchester Awards 2018
People’s Choice Award, Norfolk Arts Awards 2018
Special Recognition Award at Sheffield Business Awards 2017
Best One Off Event, New Zealand Events Association Awards 2015
Best Event or Festival, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards 2015
Tourism Event of the Year, Bristol Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2013
Tourism Event of the Year, English Riviera & South Devon Tourism Awards 2013
Finalist, Australian Event Awards 2013
A Wild in Art Event
Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events which enrich, entertain, inform and connect communities – giving people of all ages a voice through art.
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