Funding secured to create ‘Elmer the Elephant’ trail across Barnsley

1st July 2021

Elmer the elephant is packing his trunk and will be travelling around Barnsley, spreading joy as he goes, thanks to funding from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant.

Barnsley Museums have secured £95,000 which will be used to work with communities across the borough to create a bright, bold and eye-catching trail of Elmer elephants.

The project will run in each of Barnsley’s six principal towns, where residents will receive a large-scale Elmer sculpture to decorate. The finished artwork will be displayed in prominent locations in the area between August and October, for people to enjoy.

Artist led workshops in schools and community spaces will take place to create smaller scale versions of the well-loved elephant, to create a trail through each of the principal towns.

Over the summer local families of all ages will be encouraged to add to their local trail by making and displaying their own Elmer’s in the window of their home and can take part in workshops and storytelling sessions to get inspiration for their artwork.

The story of Elmer celebrates the importance of individuality, diversity and laughter and it is hoped that the project will spread these positive messages as well as encouraging people to get active this summer.

Lovers of the book will also be able to visit the Cooper Gallery from Saturday, 10 July until Saturday, 18 September where they will host the fun, family exhibition ‘Elmer and Friends’ which celebrate the colourful and feel good world of David McKee.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) said: “Our communities are absolutely brilliant at coming together and being creative to make the places we live more vibrant and exciting. This project will spread joy right across the borough and encourage people to explore and get active in a fun and interesting way. There will be so many ways people can discover the joy of Elmer this summer including the trail, exhibitions, activities and more.”