Young people across Scotland have been asked to make their mark on a new Dundee public art trail launching this summer.
To mark World Penguin Day, Visit Scotland has called on artists aged eight to 26 to help design a ‘Scottish penguin’ which will join the lineup of the Maggie’s Penguin Parade 2018.
As part of the Year of Young People, the national tourism organisation has handed over creative control of its penguin sculpture, inviting youngsters to submit a design that portrays what Scotland means to them.
The final creation will stand outside the Visit Scotland iCentre in Dundee as part of the completed trail but a further 99 individually-designed creations will also bring together businesses, schools, community groups and creative artists.
The initiative follows the success of the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail in 2016, which not only helped raise money for charity but was also credited with boosting local tourism.
Caroline Warburton, Visit Scotland’s regional leadership director said: “2018 is all about putting Scotland’s young people in the spotlight, celebrating their talents, contributions and creating new opportunities for them to shine.
“So we wanted to give one lucky person, aged 8 to 26, the unique chance to leave a lasting mark on an exciting and worthwhile project which will be visited by hundreds of people across the world.
“Maggie’s Penguin Parade comes ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest years in Dundee’s history with the arrival of V&A Dundee.
“We’re calling out to young people, the length and breadth of the country, show us what Scotland means to you and help design our Visit Scotland Penguin.”
Maggie’s Penguin Parade is a partnership event between Maggie’s Dundee and Wild in Art and will run from June 29, culminating in a grand event in Slessor Gardens on September 22 and 23.
Annie Long, Maggie’s fundraising manager, said: “Maggie’s is delighted that in the Year of Young People Visit Scotland has chosen to hold a competition to find a winning design.
“It’s great to have Visit Scotland as an official sponsor of Maggie’s Penguin Parade and their support has been invaluable.”
Entries must be submitted by April 29. Information on how to take part is available at www.visitscotland.org
