How does the project work?

The concept was created by Wild in Art and seeks to promote animal environmental issues alongside the benefits of mass public art events.  The project is designed to bring a range of different people and organisations together for mutual benefit and potential new long-term friendships.

The project will evolve over the next twelve months in Oxfordshire, culiminating in a high profile public trail in Spring 2012.  It comprises six key elements as follows:

• A call for participating artists
• A call for interested animal sponsors
• A schools art initiative
• The creative process - designing and completing the rhinos
• A public trail - on display
• Saying goodbye and charity auction

Why rhinos?

We love our rhinos.  We wanted something large and robust that will make a real impact wherever it is placed.  Measuring 6ft long by 5 ft high, by 2ft wide and weigh 60kg they should certainly turn heads.  They also make a great blank canvas for any artist.  Schools get to work with a scaled down mini-rhino.

Rhinos have long been associated with the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford, West Oxfordshire.  Two new breeding females were introduced to the Park last year.  Sadly, their oldest resident "Bull" died this year and so we decided that we could build upon his legacy during CWP’s 40th anniversary year in 2010.

Our Rhinos also enable us to make a great choice in terms of our chosen animal charity.  They are one of the endangered species supported by the Tusk Trust.  The Trust not only protects wildlife but also educates and supports local communities - something that is at the heart of this initiative.

Can you explain the Woa! Rhino logo?

We wanted to make our branding challenging and to get you thinking about how you could use or improve it.  Our rhino design is based upon the concept of a Tangram.

A Tangram is a dissection puzzle made from seven flat geometric shapes that together form a square.  The objective of the puzzle is to create a specific shape in outline, using all pieces without any overlap.  We have created our rhino in this way.

These shapes will features strongly in the project, as it evolves.  We will be challenging you to improve upon our rhino silhouette, find our hidden shapes and come up with you own designs. Watch this space!

How can we get involved?

There are many ways in which you can get involved.

As a sponsor, you will get a significant return on your investment, if other projects are anything to go by.  Raise your profile, fulfil some of your CRS responsibilities, make new contacts and support two worthwhile charities - everybody wins.

As an artist, you will get the opportunity to participate in a high profile initiative and be paid to do so.  Raise your profile, meet potential new clients, have some fun, challenge your creativity.

As a school, you will be provided with a mini-rhino, guidance and materials to create your unique designs.  A curriculum pack will provide useful information for your pupils.  You also get to keep your rhino at the end of the project.

As a member of the public you can follow the progress of the project, see some of the artists in action and get involved in the competitions and public trails.  This is a free event.  You might, however, want to purchase souvenirs or even bid for a rhino at our charity auction!

Who are the artists?

We are looking to showcase creative talent around Oxfordshire, both established and undiscovered.  Anybody creative can get involved and submit a design for consideration - painters, designers, sculptors, writers, photographers to name a few.

Who is allowed to sponsor a rhino?

Anybody can sponsor a rhino.  We would be delighted to see a range of different organisations involved.  These could include single businesses, groups of businesses, individuals or community groups.

How do sponsors and artists get matched together?

All design submissions are included into a project portfolio which is then presented to the sponsors of our rhinos.  The sponsors get to pick their preferred artistic talent and to agree how best to work together.  The chosen artists are then commissioned.  Some delicate negotiation may need to take place should someone prove very popular.

The challenge for both artist and sponsor is how best to represent sponsor values and identity without the use of logos or branding.

Where will they be located?

The rhinos will be placed around the county, with public trails sites negotiated to create a good balance of sponsor requirements and project profile.  The public trail and other activities will have something to keep everyone interested, both young and old.  The event will attract a wide variety of visitors but will also allow local people to become home-grown visitors to their county and tour guides for friends and family.

What happens if the rhinos get damaged?

With our rhinos being out in public for up to three months in Spring 2012 there will be occasions where minor damage could occur.  Our care team will be able to repair minor ailments in situ.  More significant damage could involve a trip to the veterinary surgery before being released back onto the streets.

What happens at the end?

All of the sculptures will be removed from the streets and given a bit of TLC before attending a gala auction in the summer of 2012.  Most will be auctioned, a few will be returned to community organisations that created them.

Is Woa! Rhino a charity?

No, Woa! Rhino is an event owned by Wild in Art and managed in partnership with About the Place Ltd locally in Oxfordshire.  At the end of the project, however, the majority of the rhinos will be sold at a gala auction with approximately 65% of the net proceeds donated to the two designated charities, ROSY and Tusk Trust.

Who is involved in Woa! Rhino?

Woa! Rhino has an illustrious team of contributors.  About the Place Ltd, independent "place-shapers", have teamed up with Wild in Art to deliver their established mass art initiative in Oxfordshire.

We have then welcomed to the Woa! Rhino "family", Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network (OTCN) Ltd, Oxfordshire Artweeks, Bright Young Things, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Visit Oxfordshire and Loud.

Our two chosen charities are ROSY and The Tusk Trust.