Artists of all abilities are being invited to help turn Worcester into a giant outdoor art gallery as part of a public sculpture trail.
St Richard’s Hospice is calling on artists to submit designs for its 2027 Peter Rabbit® trail, which will see 35 large sculptures decorated and displayed across the city.
The Wild in Art event follows the hugely successful giraffe, elephant and penguin trails in 2018, 2021 and 2024, also led by the Worcestershire-based charity.
Sara Matthews, business development manager for St Richard’s, said: “We’re so excited to be hosting our fourth art trail in the city next summer.
“Local residents will remember the buzz that the giraffes, elephants and penguins brought with them, and we can’t wait to see everyone out exploring our wonderful city again.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for our partners and sponsors to showcase their work and part they play in Worcestershire life.
“Working together, we’re determined to ensure time spent in the warrens of Worcester creates lasting memories for local people and visitors alike.”
Worcestershire-based artist Katie Hodgkins has painted Poppy, one of 35 large sculptures for the 2027 trail (Image: St Richard’s Hospice)
All artists are welcome to apply, whether established or emerging.
The sculptures start as blank white canvases and can be decorated using any medium, including paint, graffiti, mosaic, and metalwork.
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “This is an un-bunny-lievable opportunity to help transform Worcester into a fun, free art gallery once again and have thousands of people enjoy your artistry, while raising valuable funds for a fantastic cause.
“With local artists hopping on board, we look forward to a very special creative showcase.”
Each selected artist will receive a £1,000 commission and will be asked to decorate their sculpture between March and May 2027.
Submissions can be made through the Warrens of Worcester website, and artists can enter up to three designs each.
The trail will run from July 12 to September 5, 2027 before the sculptures are auctioned off to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice, which supports patients with life-limiting illnesses.
In addition to the main sculptures, 40 smaller “baby bunnies” designed by students and teachers from local schools will be displayed in the city’s Chapel & Friary Walk shopping centres and other businesses.
