Decorate a dog sculpture for Cork ‘City of Tails’ event

The Irish Guide Dogs is calling on businesses, organisations, schools, and community groups to sponsor and decorate dog sculptures which will feature in a public art event in Cork this August.

‘A City of Tails’, in collaboration with Munster Technological University (MTU), will feature 50 life size dog sculptures, each sponsored and individually designed and painted by local schools, clients, businesses, and professional artists.

The sponsors that participate will have the chance to personalise and decorate their own sculpture, creating an artwork which reflects their organisation and commitment to supporting Irish Guide Dogs.

Interactive art trail

“Installed across key locations throughout Cork city from August 22 to 28, the sculptures will form an interactive art trail, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the city while discovering the creativity and generosity behind each sponsored dog,” a spokesperson for the event said.

“A City of Tails aims not only to celebrate five decades of impact by Irish Guide Dogs but also to encourage organisations and communities to play an active role in supporting the charity’s future.

“By sponsoring and decorating a dog, participants directly contribute to the training and care of guide and assistance dogs, helping provide independence and confidence to people living with sight loss and families of children with autism.”

Ambassadors

One of the sculptures carries the signatures of many well known public figures, including the charity’s ambassadors Roy Keane, Jack Crowley and Shane Casey, along with Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy, Sonia O’Sullivan, Jimmy Barry Murphy, John Spillane, and Cork camogie player Amy O’Connor.

Following the exhibition, the sculptures may be auctioned or repurposed to further support the programmes of the Irish Guide Dogs, extending the impact of the project beyond the event itself.

Any organisations interested in sponsoring and decorating a dog sculpture are encouraged to contact Irish Guide Dogs to learn more about participation opportunities.