If you go down to Dartford today, you’re sure of a big surprise.<\/p>\n
A total of 31 large bear sculptures and more than 50 bear cub figures, designed by artists, schools and community groups in Kent, will be appearing around the borough from Friday.<\/p>\n
The free public art trail is inspired by popular children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury and will run until September.<\/p>\n
Aimed at raising awareness of the work of ellenor, a palliative care provider in Kent, the sculptures can be seen in parks, on streets, in museums and libraries and outside shops.<\/p>\n
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of trail producer Wild in Art, called it “a wonderful chance to bring people together, celebrate creativity and raise valuable funds” for the hospice charity.<\/p>\n
Organisers expect more than 250,000 visitors, making it one of the borough’s largest public art events.<\/p>\n
The trail’s official partner, Bluewater Shopping Centre, will also host a dedicated community hub on site where people can learn more about the project and the stories behind each sculpture.<\/p>\n
In addition, a small number of extra bears, created as part of the project, will go directly to auction to raise further funds.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for ellenor said: “The famous mantra from We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is, ‘we can’t go over it, we can’t go under it, we’ve got to go through it’. And that perfectly reflects our mission.<\/p>\n
“Just as the family in the book faces obstacles together, ellenor supports families through life’s challenges.”<\/p>\n
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