The Big Hoot: Call For Artists

Birmingham is set to become a virtual aviary in 2015 as a host of feathered friends descend on the city as part of its largest ever, mass participation art event. Wild in Art will be working in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital to create The Big Hoot which will see over 120 individually designed 165cm tall owl statues appearing throughout the city over ten weeks during summer 2015, helping to showcase the wide cultural appeal of Birmingham.

The Big Hoot offers an opportunity for artists to work in partnership with local businesses, charities, schools and community groups to transform over a hundred blank, giant, owl sculptures into imaginative, individual characters. Ultimately, it will become a significant fund-raiser for one of the region’s most invaluable resources – the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The team welcome designs in any art form – traditional to new media, fine art to illustrations, graffiti and mosaic, embroidery to metalwork. 

If you are commissioned, you will receive an honorarium of £850.00 upon completion of your artwork.

Deadline for submissions is 9th January 2015

For more information download an artists pack and application form http://thebighoot.co.uk/artists/

DIGMAS at the Custard Factory 20th December, 12-8pm

A packed festive programme awaits in Digbeth this Saturday with Santa’s Grotto and real reindeer; a carousel; children’s face-painting and crafts; sizzling street food by the award winning Digbeth Dining Club and a pop up ‘get merry’ bar by Alfie Birds, Urban Village vintage fair and lots of live music.

Santa and his reindeer start proceedings as they parade down Gibb Street at 12.30pm and there will be plenty of opportunity to get some last-minute gifts with a Christmas market and exclusive discounts on offer at many of The Custard Factory’s 30 independent shops and cafes.

There will be lots of activities and entertainment for kids and adults, including a pop up make up bar by Make-Up Central, cupcake decorating, t-shirt printing, jewellery making and a rodeo reindeer.

The Digmas programme of live music includes traditional carol singing, the Roo Savill Trio, The Glamophones, Rich McMahon Folk and Clutching at Straws. Digbeth Dining Club will be bringing along some of its most popular traders including The Meatshack, Esme’s Seafood Kitchen, Fat Duck Spuds, The Bournville Waffle Company and Vegan Grindhouse.

For the full Digmas programme or to sign up for Digmas Discount vouchers, visit www.custardfactory.co.uk/digmas

PROGRAMME:

Santa and Reindeer parade down Gibb Street 12.30pm

Grotto and reindeer feeding/petting 12 noon – 4.30pm

Live Music, Stalls and activities 12 noon – 6pm

Street Food and pop up bar 12 noon – 8pm