Hares of Hampshire go on display in Southampton

A total of 15 model hares have arrived in Southampton as part of an interactive art trail.

The sculptures are 6ft tall and each one features its own unique design painted by artists in collaboration with Wild in Art, which creates public art events in cities across the world.

Some hares appear in cultural spots such as outside God's House Tower, giving families the chance to enjoy pockets of local history while exploring.

On display in streets, parks and public places across Southampton, they will be auctioned off in September to raise money for the Murray Parish Trust which supports children's emergency services across the South of England.

A hare sculpture outside God's House Tower.

The symbol of the hare has been chosen as the animal represents "new beginnings, often seen as a spiritual animal which can represent leaving the darkness of lockdowns".

The public can follow the trail using an app called ‘Hares in Hampshire 2022’, where users can earn rewards for each hare they find and read about the artists’ work.

Southampton businesses also had the opportunity to get involved with the fundraiser by sponsoring a hare to bring customers to their door whilst raising money for charity.

Hare sculptures before being installed. Photo: Southampton City Council

Some sponsors of include West Quay, ABP Southampton, the John Hansard Gallery, and Southampton Business School, University of Southampton.

Artists were invited to design a hare on a blank template, and if picked by a sponsor, received an honorarium of £900 upon completing their artwork.

The trail is expected to raise over £200k for children’s health in Hampshire, boosting the economy by attracting more than 250k residents and visitors across the ten weeks.

To find out more about the project and The Murray Trust, please visit: www.haresofhampshire.co.uk