The Cardiff-based Snoopy sculptures which make up part of the free-to-see public art trail, A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy, are being relocated this week.
Since the trail launched on 8th April, thousands of people have enjoyed the sculptures that make up the trail in Cardiff, Caerphilly and Porthcawl, but several have been vandalised and have had to be temporarily removed from the trail for repairs.
The sculptures that are based in Cardiff City Centre and Cardiff Parks will be relocated to new locations – Roath Park, the Capitol Centre, Queens Arcade and Cardiff Castle.
Now, organisers have decided that to ensure the colourful canine sculptures can continue to be enjoyed by the people of South Wales and visitors from far and wide, 19 based in Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Parks are to be ‘rehomed’.
Rebecca Staden, Project Manager for A Dog’s Trail, said:
“The people of South Wales and beyond have come out in their thousands to enjoy this super-special trail, but sadly some of the beautiful sculptures which have brought joy to so many have been deliberately vandalised and others have suffered damage.
“Therefore, we are moving the sculptures based in Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Parks to new locations where they will be more secure and so that everyone can continue to enjoy them. People that have already visited may even want to see them again in their new ‘forever homes’.”
The @DogsTrust @adogstrail has landed here at Queen's Arcade! This trail is to celebrate the new rehoming centre here in Cardiff and is completely free to take part in.
Click the link below for more information and to download a trail map – https://t.co/xbMh1Sf40G #adogstrail pic.twitter.com/BoN683Arsz
— Queens Arcade (@QueensArcade) April 28, 2022
Nineteen sculptures are being relocated to Roath Park, the Capitol Centre and Queens Arcade as well as Cardiff Castle. Two sculptures that had to be removed from the Trail previously, Peek a Boop and Tally, have now been repaired and will be back on view in Roath Park this weekend.
The A Dog’s Trail app has all the details of the new locations and information will be available where the previous sculptures were located to let people know where they can now be enjoyed. There are no changes to the locations of the Cardiff Bay, Porthcawl and Caerphilly sculptures.
Rebecca says:
“From the moment the Trail launched we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received. People of all ages are loving it, as are their dogs! This Trail has brought together artists, businesses and the community and has been a true collaboration and celebration of Wales.
“Since the trail launched, the app has recorded more than 150,000 visits to individual sculptures, with over 3,000 selfies uploaded to its gallery and thousands of fans have headed to the A Dog’s Trail shop at Mermaid Quay to buy souvenirs and memorabilia.
“We are determined to make sure that everyone will be able to enjoy the Trail until 5thJune and that ultimately the 40 big sculptures can be auctioned off to raise money for Dogs Trust which cares for thousands of dogs who need to find new homes.”
Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art, the leading producer of world-wide public art events which has partnered with Dogs Trust to create A Dog’s Trail with Snoopy, said:
“A Dog’s Trail has created a feel-good factor right across Cardiff, Caerphilly and Porthcawl, bringing joy and smiles to so many, while also showcasing the work of so many immensely talented artists. We hope everyone continues to enjoy the trail and will visit the sculptures in their new homes.”
