Artists told to hop on board toads project
ARTISTS are being asked to submit designs for a series of fibreglass toads that will celebrate the life of Hull poet Philip Larkin.
Up to a hundred model toads could be created as part of the largest public arts events the region has seen.
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Larkin25 programme director Emily Penn and Larkin25 chairman Prof Graham Chesters at the Hull History Centre.
The organisers are still searching for sponsorship for the scheme from local businesses after £200,000 of funding was pulled by Hull City Council.
The project is set to cost £290,000 – the vast majority of which was due to be met by the authority.
However, after a public spat between the ruling Lib Dems and Labour parties, Councillor Carl Minns, leader of the council, decided to refuse the money.
The Larkin25 project, which will last 25 weeks, includes a broad programme of cultural events.
It will culminate on December 2, the 25th anniversary of Larkin's death, with the unveiling of a statue at Hull's Paragon Interchange.
Larkin was librarian at the University of Hull.
Sarah Fisher, arts development worker at Artlink, which is coordinating the project on behalf of the Larkin25, said: "We are looking for artists interested in being part of this exciting project, by producing a design with which to decorate one of these unique sculptures, and then transferring the design onto the sculpture itself."
Successful artists will be paid for their designs and to apply them to one of the one-metre high toads.
For more details e-mail artsdevelopment@artlink.uk.net before the deadline for submissions at 4pm on Friday.
4 Comments
by Ranter, Hull.
Monday, March 22 2010, 12:02PM
“E. Hull. Now I know the Turner Prize is worth 40 odd thousand pounds, you have inspired me to put on my arty farty head. My new submission will be to dress as Mr Larkin, and wander around the toads reciting his poems. I will be as authentic as possible by getting drunk, so my ramblings only make sense to the luvvy duvvies, and throw in the odd racist statement, whilst making lewd remarks to the ladies. I have contacted the Eric Morcombe appreciation society, and have been assured I am not breaking any copyright laws. See you there.”
by E, Hull
Monday, March 22 2010, 11:24AM
“Loved it Ranter. If it was up to me you'd get the Turner prize!”
by Ranter, Hull.
Monday, March 22 2010, 10:59AM
“I thought my submitted design caught the spirit of Mr Larkin perfectly. It was painted with a high alcohol based paint, with swastikas and racist slogans. Instead of croaking, it emitted bursts of foul language, and had a small motor to allow it to jump on passing married women.”
by Billy, Hull
Monday, March 22 2010, 8:53AM
“May I suggest that all under 12 years olds only submit designs to artsdevelopment@artlink.uk.net
and any real Hull Artists, apart from these kids who might has well earn some pocket money from this waste of cash and time, just not entertain this idea!”