Stand Tall with Croydon as epic giraffe art-trail announced for autumn 2023

Posted 1st September 2022

Over 30 eight-foot-tall giraffe sculptures will hit the streets of Croydon next autumn as Croydon BID launches Croydon Stands Tall, the much-anticipated collaboration with internationally renowned Wild In Art.

One of the 14 showcase events for the London Borough of Culture, Croydon Stands Tall will bring the town centre to life with a 10- week mass participation art trail, involving people from across all communities, attracting visitors and footfall and supporting the local economy as we look to recover.

The 30 eight-foot-tall giraffe sculptures will be uniquely and individually painted by selected artists and positioned across the town centre to create a free, family friendly trail suitable for all ages to enjoy, discover and explore as we celebrate Croydon and the London Borough of Culture.

Matthew Sims, Chief Executive, Croydon BID said:

“Croydon Stands Tall will take everyone on a journey from the moment it is launched, making art accessible for all, promoting health and happiness as we celebrate our people and culture. We are delighted to be working with Wild In Art on this exceptional project that will, we are sure, collectively bring communities of Croydon together as we stand tall.”

Charlie Langhorne MD and co-Founder of Wild in Art said:

“We are delighted to be working with Croydon BID on this really exciting initiative. Our trails are proven to bring visitors to a host location while also encouraging residents to become “tourists in their own town” while they seek out each sculpture. While driving footfall and economic recovery, Wild In Art trails unite communities, raise funds for a local charity and create thousands of smiles. We can’t wait!”

Croydon Stands tall will play a central role in developing a learning programme for school children from across the borough to join and contribute. School children from across the borough will be offered the chance, as part of the curriculum, to individually paint 30 four-foot-tall giraffes which will form a secondary trail across the borough.

As we look to celebrate culture, attract visitors, and offer a vibrant unique trail for all to enjoy, Croydon Stands Tall will work to support our national charity partner, Crisis and in particular the Croydon Skylight. Croydon Stands Tall will end with a charity auction where we hope to raise £100,000 for Crisis to deliver one to one support, advice and courses for people who are homeless or facing homelessness.

Matt Downie, Chief Executive, Crisis said:

“Our Croydon Skylight centre is in the heart of the borough, where we offer vital help with housing, jobs, health and wellbeing to help people facing homelessness. We’re delighted to be the charity partner for Croydon Stands Tall. We know it will be an excellent opportunity to celebrate the borough and reinforce, that by working together, we can all play a part in ending homelessness.”

For further information on Croydon Stands Tall and how you can support Croydon and the London Borough of Culture, please get in touch with Croydon BID on 020 8603 0050.