On the 9th July, 43 sculptures which have been designed and decorated by Jersey’s children and community groups, will appear in shop windows and indoor locations all over the island to launch Go Wild Gorillas; this summer’s biggest community event.
This island-wide sculpture trail celebrates Durrell’s 60th anniversary by bringing together art and conservation and to raise funds for a new home for the precious gorilla family at Jersey Zoo.
The Go Wild Gorillas team at Durrell have engaged schools, colleges, nurseries and community groups to create a wildly imaginative and innovative troop of young gorilla sculptures. The diverse array of designs are inspired by subjects including the natural world, Jersey Zoo, local wildlife, global arts and culture and our marine environment.
Thanks to generous support from Citi, Durrell were delighted that so many community groups from across Jersey were able to get involved.
Commenting on Citi’s involvement, Vice President, Sarah Fitzgerald said:
“Citi is proud to be supporting Go Wild Gorillas as the Community Partner and it’s been inspiring to see all the incredible artwork and designs that have been created. We’re also very much looking forward to seeing all these gorillas go on display around the Island and can’t wait to participate in the trail from the end of this month.”
The Creative Learning Programme meant that children from schools all over the island have been involved in creating 27 small gorilla sculptures decorated by students of all ages.
Fiona Marchant, Education Manager at Jersey Zoo said: “The creativity and passion put into this project has absolutely blown me away. Jersey’s young people, teachers and community groups should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and I really look forward to the gorilla sculptures going out into the community so that we can share this beautiful work with you all. We hope that this trail will encourage everyone to explore our island and experience the spectacular natural beauty that Jersey has to offer.”
Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art said: “We passionately champion the importance of art for everybody and the social, cultural and educational benefits which it provides. The Go Wild Gorillas Creative Learning Programme has given children and young people the opportunity to get excited about art as well as engaging them in important topics such as conservation and the work Durrell is doing to protect an endangered species. Together with Durrell, we are extremely proud to showcase the creativity of the island’s young people. Thank you to everybody that has taken part and enjoy the gorillas this summer!”
Details of where the young gorillas are placed can be found on gowildgorillas.org from 9th July.
On 27th July, these young gorilla sculptures will be joined by a further 40 silverback gorilla sculptures which have been sponsored by local companies and designed by artists from Jersey, the UK and beyond, making Go Wild Gorillas the Channel Islands’ largest, mass-participation art event.
In partnership with Wild in Art, this trail brings colourful, exciting and thoughtful works of art to Jersey. The sculptures lead people on a trail of discovery, not only to see the gorillas themselves, but the nature in which they are placed.
Go Wild Gorillas trail maps plus the Go Wild Gorillas App will be available from 27th July.
When the trail ends, these young gorilla sculptures will appear at the ‘Goodbye Gorillas’ farewell weekend at Jersey Zoo from 1-4th November alongside the 40 life-size gorillas. They will then return to their school, college or community group as a lasting legacy.
Participating Schools & Community Groups
Acorn (sponsored by PWC)
Beaulieu School
Beresford Street Kitchen (sponsored by Investec)
Brighter Futures (sponsored by Cannacord)
Cheeky Monkeys at Durrell (sponsored by Deloitte)
Citi
D’auvergne School KS1 & KS2
D’auvergne School KS2
Durrell Volunteers (sponsored by Durrell Gardiens)
Enable Jersey
Eyecan
FCJ School
First Tower School
Grands Vaux School
Grouville School
Headway (sponsored by Valla)
Healing Waves
Highlands College, School of Art
Highland’s Life Skills
Jersey Alzheimers Association (sponsored by Ports of Jersey) Jersey College for Girls
Jersey College Prep
Le Rocquier School
Les Landes School
Mencap (sponsored by Citi)
Mont Nicole School
Samares School (sponsored by Mourant)
Springfield School
St Christopher’s School
St Clements School
St George’s Preparatory School
St Lawrence Youth Project & La Pouquelaye Youth Project St Martin’s School
St Michael’s Preparatory School
St Peter’s School (sponsored by Santander)
Stroke Association Jersey (sponsored by Rathbones) Youth Arts Jersey
Youthful Minds (sponsored by RBC Wealth Management)
