Christchurch is set to become home to the Big Sheep Trail, a public art trail featuring Shaun the Sheep sculptures. Photo: David Oates Photography

Famous sheep to get city makeover

· Otago Daily Times Online News

By Honour Mitchell

Internationally-known cartoon character Shaun the Sheep is coming to Christchurch.

Thirty schools have been told they will have a hand in bringing Shaun to life by painting Little Shaun sculptures for the Big Sheep Trail in January.

Shaun the Sheep is a British animated character who has starred in several TV series and two feature films – Shaun the Sheep Movie and Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon.

The movies were nominated for Academy Awards in 2015 and 2019. There are also Shaun the Sheep trails in the United Kingdom.

The popular cartoon character Shaun the Sheep. Photo: Shaun the Sheep Movie

The painted Little Shauns will be on display in the central city and other parts of Christchurch from January 16 to the end of March next year. Artists will also paint 30 other Big Shauns.

Waitākiri Primary School teacher Sophie O’Rourke said pupils are looking forward to being part of the outdoor sculpture trail again.

“We have completed three other sculptures over the years and we love doing them. Not only does it bring our school community together, but it also creates excitement and the children who participate always feel so proud of the sculpture,” she said.

Once the trail ends the Shauns will be auctioned off to fundraise for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Christchurch, an organisation that matches young people with mentors to help them reach their full potential.

The Big Sheep Trail is a public art trail featuring Shaun the Sheep sculptures. Photo: David Oates Photography

Said Pareawa Banks Avenue Primary School principal Jan Thompson: “We love Big Brothers Big Sisters as a programme and are fully in as a school because it makes such a difference in our community each and every day. We want to give back. We want to be a role model of involvement and support in our wider community.”

There is also a call out for artists interested in painting a Big Shaun who will be sponsored by businesses.

Big Brothers Big Sisters programme manager Faye Higgins said designs were being sought which “capture the spirit of Shaun the Sheep; adventurous, mischievous, fun-loving, and full of humour”.

• Artists and businesses wanting to be part of the project can go to: thebigsheeptrail.nz