Elmer’s Art Parade heads to New Zealand

Following the success of Christchurch’s Pop Up Penguins art trail in 2020/2021 and Christchurch Stands Tall’s Giraffes in 2014, Wild in Art are partnering with the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust and Andersen Press to bring an Elmer the Patchwork Elephant sculpture trail to Christchurch in the summer of 2023/2024.

Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail will feature Elmer and his uniquely decorated friends around the New Zealand city, forming a free, family-friendly art trail.

It will also be supported by a learning programme enabling children and young people to participate in this highly visible trail.

An auction of the sculptures following the trail will help raise funds for the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust. At any one time, the Trust is assessing, supporting and rehabilitating over 1000 Cantabrians with brain, spinal or other complex injuries.

Alex Skinner, Fiona McLeod, Kathryn Jones, Charlie Langhorne and small Elmer

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director, Wild in Art said “We are excited to be returning to Christchurch and teaming up with the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust and publisher Andersen Press to create Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail – our third event in the city. It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses, the creative sector and communities to come together to create something very special.”

Kathryn Jones, CEO of Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust said “We are incredibly excited to bring David McKee’s much-loved elephant character, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant to life in what will be the city’s most colourful art trail yet. Over 30 large elephants, individually designed by professional and emerging artists, will be displayed through the streets, parks and public spaces of Christchurch and the surrounding towns from November 2023 to March 2024,”

The 30th Elmer storybook, ‘Elmer and the Gift’ deals with the theme of memory loss with love and respect and celebrates diversity, being different and being tolerant to yourself and to others. “These values are a perfect match for the values we at the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust hold dear,” adds Kathryn.

“For many, a brain injury can be likened to an elephant in the room – invisible to others, when in fact, it’s a serious life altering event for the person and their whānau – another reason why Elmer is such a good fit for us.”

Paul Black, PR and Brand Director, Andersen Press, publisher of the Elmer book series adds, “Everyone at Andersen Press is thrilled to be bringing Elmer to the streets of Christchurch in Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail. We hope that we can spread Elmer’s messages of acceptance, inclusivity and friendship and raise lots of money for the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust.”