Martlets Hospice are delighted to announce that award-winning author/illustrator Nick Sharratt has climbed aboard the Snailway to become the Learners Ambassador for Snailspace, this autumn’s must-see public art event by the charity and Wild in Art. Nearly 30 schools, after-school clubs and nurseries have already signed up for the Snailspace Learners Programme, and, as part of his role, Nick is encouraging more to get involved. Schools and organisations signed up to the Snailspace Learners Programme by the end of March will be entered into a prize draw to win a visit from Nick who will run a creative workshop full of ideas on ways to decorate their ‘junior’ snail.

 Speaking about why he wanted to be part of the event Nick said: “I love the idea of beautifully decorated giant snails taking over our city in the autumn and the Learners Programme is a great way to get our children and young people involved. All children are creative; they just need opportunities to express it. As an artist I also think the snail is a brilliantly simple creature to draw which makes it accessible to anyone.

 He continued: “I also know how important Martlets is to our local community and this is such a fantastic way to raise money for it. I’m delighted to be able to help in anyway that I can.”  

 Alongside the 50 giant snails on the main trail, organisers are encouraging as many local schools, after-school clubs and nurseries to get involved by signing up for the Learners Programme. The Learners Programme will feature smaller snail sculptures, decorated by children, which will be exhibited in cultural venues across the city, alongside the main Snailspace event before being returned to their creators. To get involved and cover the costs of the sculpture, Martlets are asking for schools and clubs to commit to a fundraising pledge of £750, with over a year to raise the money. They will provide a bespoke fundraising pack full of simple and fun ideas to help participants achieve this goal.

 As well as a snail, participants will receive a Creativity Resource Pack. This pack will include ideas for engaging children in the design and production of their sculpture. The pack aims to ensure that Snailspace is a platform for exploring themes of nature, environment, and mental health, and to encourage young people to be active citizens in the local community. It will also include curriculum-linked education resources, putting creativity at the heart of study. The activities are designed to complement key stage specific teaching of subjects including English, Citizenship & PSHE, ICT, Geography, History and Biology.

 To find out more, anyone interested in getting involved should visit www.snailspacebrighton.co.uk or contact Liz Davies, Community Fundraising Officer, liz.davies@martlets.org.uk or call 01273 747455.