Get involved

Artists

Calling all artists - amateurs or professionals! We’re looking for talented artists to transform our plain penguin sculptures into beautiful masterpieces for our Waddle-on-Sea Art Trail. 

30 penguins
over six weeks

Each unique, individually designed penguin will be part of our spectacular outdoor art trail in 2025 across Southend-on-Sea. They will then be auctioned off so local families facing complex or incurable conditions can get free, specialist care, when and where they need it, from Havens Hospices.

Top tips for submitting a design …

• You may submit up to two sculpture designs. You are required to complete the Artist Submission Form for each design, including agreeing to the terms and conditions.

• When planning your designs, please make sure they are appropriate for public display, bearing in mind the audience will be broad-based and of all ages.

• Designs that are overtly religious, political or sexual in nature will not be accepted. Corporate logos and advertising are not allowed. We cannot accept designs which infringe on third part intellectual property, i.e. recognisable brands, logos, personalities or licensed characters.

• Designs must not feature obvious signs of fear or aggression.

• Artists may alter the basic sculpture shape but, if doing so, must ensure the finished work remains structurally intact. It is recommended that only artists experienced in working with fibreglass submit designs that use this process.

• Remember the public will touch and interact with your sculpture! Therefore, any attachments must be robust and able to withstand this handling (including, potentially, the weight of an adult), not be likely to cause injury and must be durable in an outside environment.

• When placed on the streets, each sculpture is bolted to a base using fixings. Artists are requested to keep the base area clear of any attachments.

• A painting space can be provided for you to create your design. Painting spaces are limited and donated to the charity, so we will try to meet as many requirements as possible and allocate to the most suitable space however once allocated changes are unable to be made. If you wish to paint the sculpture on your own premises, Waddle-on-Sea can discuss options for delivery and collection of your sculpture, the arrangements and costs of which are the responsibility of the artist.

• While we welcome all art forms, experience has taught us that collage and/or sticking paper or paper-based products onto the sculpture has not proven as effective as painting or mosaics. Please consider this before submitting your design and be aware that the large sculptures will be positioned outside for around 8 weeks, exposed to the British weather.

• Artist materials are not provided. The use of emulsion, water-based acrylic or spray paints are recommended. Any other materials will need to be approved by the artist coordinator ahead of starting. To complete your sculpture, it must be finished with a specialist varnish which will be provided.

• Artists will not be responsible for placing their sculptures on the streets or collecting them at the end of the event. Where practicable, we will try to offer artists first refusal to undertake repair and maintenance work should the applicable sculpture require it, but this won't be mandatory for the artist.

• If your design is chosen, you will receive an honorarium of £1,000 paid in two instalments, 25% after artist selection and the balance paid on completion and agreed sign-off of the work.

Timeline

  • '31st Oct 2022'

    Deadline for Artists 

  • 'Nov 2022'

    Shortlisting of designs

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By getting involved in Waddle-on-Sea as an artist you’ll be creating art that leaves an impression on Southend and its visitors.

Terms and conditions

  • Being commissioned as one of the selected Artists to paint the sculptures will be subject to a formally written and signed Agreement.

  • You must be the sole author and owner of all intellectual property rights of the artwork entered. Havens Hospices and Wild in Art do not accept liability in the publication of any reproduced art.

  • You must have the ability to reproduce the design on to the three-dimensional penguin sculpture. Havens Hospices reserves the right to withhold payment if the finished work falls below that which can be reasonably expected for public display and/or is substantially different from the design submitted.

  • No allowances can be made for artwork submissions that arrive after the deadline. Copyright and all other IP rights of the design belong to and remain with the Artist. Subject to Havens Hospices paying the artist fee under the Agreement, the Artist grants to Havens Hospices and Wild in Art permission to use the completed artwork (in full or any part of) for purposes in connection with Waddle-on-Sea and associated events and activities.

  • You consent to the use of this artwork (in full or any part of), your name and biography, and photographs of the penguin in all promotional material (including merchandise for sale) without any further compensation.

  • Work will be commissioned following selection by Sponsors, the decisions will be final – you will be notified if unsuccessful, but no further correspondence will be entered into.

  • Havens Hospices will provide the penguin sculpture at no cost to you. You will be responsible for the collection of the penguin sculpture and the return to Havens Hospices prior to the Art Trail in July 2025, and all costs associated with these deliveries/transportation. You will also be responsible for the cost of all materials including paint (a toolkit will be provided if selected with all guidance).

  • Varnish will be supplied by Havens Hospices at the time of collection of your sculpture – this should be the only varnish used as it has been specifically selected and recommended for the sculptures to withstand all outdoor conditions for their display on the trail.

  • If the penguin is returned unfinished or deemed irreparable due to damage while in your possession, you shall be charged the full replacement cost of the penguin

  • Havens Hospices may produce merchandise of the completed design, subject at all times to your agreement.