Suffolk Libraries launch Paw-some Art Sculpture fundraising event!
Suffolk Libraries has launched its largest ever fundraising campaign!
PAWS-itivity will involve dog sculptures featuring designs individually created by local artists in each of Suffolk’s libraries over the Summer of 2023.
The dogs will set up home in their libraries following a tour of Suffolk at a number of events including a launch at the Suffolk Show. They will then return to Trinity Park to be auctioned in late September.
The event aims to raise money to support Suffolk Libraries work at the heart of the community. It will also raise awareness of Suffolk Libraries as an independent charity that needs additional funding to nurture literacy, improve health and wellbeing and create accessible arts opportunities for local people.
PAWS-itivity will also work with three other charities to highlight the work they do with Suffolk Libraries linking up with Pets as Therapy, Suffolk Pride and Realise Futures.
The sculptures have been dubbed the ‘Library Labradors’ with the canine theme chosen for several reasons:
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Dogs are linked to good mental and physical health as they are loyal companions to many people. Dogs can help to reduce isolation and encourage us to take regular physical exercise
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The sculptures will be great fun, have endearing characters, be well-loved, colourful and spread positivity
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Dogs are even associated with nurturing children’s literacy as some of our libraries have reading dog sessions where children can read to therapy dogs that don’t judge their reading ability
Suffolk Libraries is looking for sponsors for PAWS-itivity who would be keen to get involved to showcase their corporate creativity and engage their staff and customers with their own uniquely designed sculptures.
Sponsorship gives companies the chance to boost morale in these tough times by working with staff to choose their very own sculpture. It’s also a chance to root your business in the local community by supporting a much-loved and vital Suffolk charity.
To make it possible for as many organisations as possible to be involved, the sponsorship has been priced at cost to cover a fair fee for each artist and the core costs of the delivery of the campaign. It means that main sponsors can be involved at a cost of £5,000 for a chance to sponsor five different sculptures.
The designs are selected as you sign up to be a sponsor so the earlier you get involved the better! For more information about sponsoring one of the dogs, visit our PAWS-itivity sponsorship page.
The sculptures and a number of other artworks and rare books will be auctioned in late September 2023 to raise crucial funds for Suffolk Libraries.
Lisa Papp, author of children’s book Madeline Finn and the Library Dog has already given her support for the project in advance of the main tour. Lisa has given Suffolk Libraries approval to call one of the dogs Bonnie after the dog from her book and for Bonnie to be a mascot for the event.
Lisa said:
“I love the stance that Suffolk Libraries has taken to be a real gift to the community and to make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m honoured that you have chosen beautiful Bonnie from my book - Madeline Finn and the Library Dog - to be the mascot for your sculpture event. I’m wishing Suffolk Libraries lots of luck in raising funds for such a vital charity as libraries are where the real magic happens.”
Bruce Leeke, Chief Executive at Suffolk Libraries, said:
“We’re delighted to be launching this exciting new project to bring fun and colour to people across Suffolk whilst also raising much needed funds to support the work of our charity. We hope lots of local businesses, artists and people will want to help us raise ‘pounds for hounds’ this summer and enjoy our pack of delightfully designed dogs!”
For further information, contact our Fundraising Manager Alex Downing at alex.downing@suffolklibraries.co.uk.