FAQs
1. What is Go Elephants!?
Go Elephants! is a mass public appeal art event featuring 53 baby elephant sculptures which will be on display on the streets of Norwich from 23 June - 31 August 2008.
2. Will Go Elephants! be anywhere else in the UK in 2008?
No, Norwich will be the only city in the UK to host Go Elephants! in 2008.
3. Why baby elephants?
Why not! Go Elephants! is all about the art. We therefore needed to sculpt an animal that encouraged creativity and allowed the artist a variety of different surface areas on which to work. Furthermore, the elephant is a beautiful animal that features in so much of our lives from children’s films and books, through to TV shows such as the Blue Planet.
4. What are they made of and how big are they?
The baby elephants are made of fibreglass and are normally decorated with paints and other materials and then finished to be weatherproof. Most of the elephants will be sited in outdoor locations around the city, although some will be located indoors but will still be freely accessible to the public, such as in a shop window. The elephants weigh approximately 50 kg and measure approximately 170cm long, 120cm tall and 75cm wide.
5. What happens to the elephants in each city?
Each host city starts with a herd of blank elephant sculptures that have been produced in Poland. They will be painted and decorated by local artists and sold at a gala auction at the conclusion of the event for the benefit of local non-profit organisations.
6. Where will the elephants be located in Norwich?
Everywhere! We've created an ‘urban safari’, with the elephants forming a trail around the city, highlighting many of the iconic architectural features as well as some areas not so familiar. The event will undoubtedly attract new visitors to Norwich and residents will want to visit all the elephants, becoming 'tourists’ in their own city.
7. Does it cost money to see the elephants?
No, it is an entirely free event.
8. Who are the artists?
Anyone. Go Elephants! aims to showcase the artistic talent of the host city, featuring artists from all artistic communities and beyond - both established and aspiring - whether they are painters, designers, sculptors, architects, photographers or poets.
9. How were the designs chosen?
All designs were compiled into one portfolio. Business sponsors then chose a design from the selection and the artist was commissioned to paint and decorate the elephant. No logos or brands were permitted, so business sponsors and artists were challenged to find innovative and creative ways of reflecting or expressing the company's values!
10. Is Go Elephants! a charity?
No, Go Elephants! is an event owned by Wild in Art and managed by Wild in Art in partnership with The Forum Trust. At the end of the event however, the majority of the elephants are sold at a gala auction and 75% of the net proceeds are donated to The Born Free Foundation and CLIC Sargent.
11. What happens if an elephants gets damaged?
Too much public affection, or even occasionally vandalism, can take its toll on the elephants. The ‘Ele-Vets’ can often treat them onsite or they may be temporarily removed and taken to the 'Elephant Hospital' to be treated by our team of vets, before being returned to the streets of Norwich.
12. Who runs Go Elephants!?
Go Elephants! in Norwich is being run as a partnership between the Forum Trust and Wild in Art. Go Elephants! is partnership-led, and relies on the enthusiastic buy-in of all sectors of Norwich life: business, finance, law, media, artists, academia, retail, festivals, tourism and culture....
13. What happens at the end of Go Elephants!?
The elephants will be taken off the streets and spruced up if necessary. The majority will be sold at a gala auction in Autumn 2008 and some will be given back to the community organisations that created them.
14. Who created the Baby Elephant?
The elephant was commissioned by Wild in Art and was sculpted by acclaimed Manchester artist Ben Cook. Ben was assisted by Wild in Art’s Creative Director Chris Wilkinson.