Why a herd of giraffes will be invading Cambridge
If you think filling Cambridge with giraffes is a tall order, then think again, as the charity Break will be doing just that when it brings a new art trail to the city in 2024 – and, as media partner, the Cambridge Independent will be helping all the way.
We can today reveal that Break, which supports young people in care, leaving care and on the edge of care across East Anglia, will install a large herd of giraffe sculptures to tower over the city next spring, following on from the success of the Cows about Cambridge trail in 2021.
Cambridge Standing Tall will feature around 40 of the long-legged sculptures, each designed by an artist and sponsored by a business, taking to the streets of Cambridge for 10 weeks in March, 2024.
Delivered in partnership with Wild in Art and principal partner Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID), the trail is being officially launched at an invitation-only evening event today (Wednesday) at the Museum of Zoology.
The first giraffe by the agency behind the Cambridge Standing Tall brand, 10 Creative, has been brought to life by artist Mik Richardson, and the second by artist Phil Daniels.
Break senior partnerships and projects manager Pete Marron said: “We can’t wait to release our herd into the wild next spring. I’m really looking forward to working with all the artists, businesses, volunteers, schools and community groups, and seeing all the different designs on the sculptures.
“I’m also pleased to be raising awareness for our care leavers and encouraging everyone to stand tall with the young people we support, reminding them that no matter their start in life, nothing is out of their reach.”
The trail will be bringing together a wide variety of organisations and Break is inviting local businesses to join the inaugural group of sponsors – Cambridge BID, Cambridge City Council, Pentaco Construction, Cambridge Hilton, Gonville Hotel, Aspiration Europe, First Copy, and the Cambridge Independent.
Local schools and community groups are also being encouraged to take part by adopting and decorating one of up to 50 Mini-G’s, a smaller sculpture that will be part of a learning and community programme.
Ian Sandison, Cambridge BID CEO, said: “We are delighted to be the principal partner for the Cambridge Standing Tall 2024 project and to be working with Break on the city’s second art sculpture trail. Our ambition for this trail is to showcase the city to all who visit, live and work in Cambridge and encourage people to come out and explore areas they may not be familiar with. The trail is designed for all age ranges, therefore can be enjoyed by the whole family, making this a low-cost, accessible activity for everyone.”
Charlie Langhorne, co-founder and MD at Wild in Art says: “Building on the excitement of Cows about Cambridge, I have no doubt that the giraffe sculptures will capture the imaginations of residents and visitors alike.”
Visit break-charity.org/.cambridge-standing-tall/.
