What is it and who is involved?

A magnificent large-scale public art trail has opened as part of Croydon’s capital of culture holidays, Croydon Stands Tall, where you can go on your own safari to spot 60 giraffes around the town.

Backing the celebrations are Crystal Palace Football Club, who designed their own eight-foot giraffe, decorated by MurWalls, the same team behind it. Wilfried Zaha’s mural.

Croydon Stands Tall celebrates the diversity and creative spirit of Croydon while raising funds for Crisis, the national charity working to end homelessness, which has a center in the heart of Croydon which the club’s players have previously visited.

South Londonborough has planned a year-long celebration of Croydon’s unique identity, diverse communities and rich heritage, culture and creativity.

What is Croydon Stands Tall and who is involved?

Until Friday 27 October, you’ll be able to spot a number of unique giraffes roaming Croydon town center as part of the Croydon Stands Tall celebrations.

Each of the 30 large giraffe sculptures was decorated by an artist and sponsored by a local business.

Schools and community groups are also involved, coming together from across the neighborhood to create 30 small giraffe sculptures, which will be displayed in several indoor locations across the city.

While Crystal Palace Football Club’s giraffe features several emblems at various times in the club’s history and will find a home at Boxpark, East Croydon.

Matthew Sims, chief executive of Croydon Town Center Business Improvement District Ltd, said: “Croydon, a place defined by its people who stand up all the time, is home to such a rich and diverse culture. Through our artistic partnership with Wild in Art, the Croydon Stands Tall trail will bring art and culture to the people enhancing this year’s London Cultural District, This is Croydon.

“This August, our streets will come alive with 60 magnificent, uniquely designed giraffe sculptures, from small to towering, creating a vibrant and spectacular experience,” he said.

The large giraffes will be auctioned off to raise money for Crisis Skylight Croydon at the end of the trail, while the small giraffes will be returned to their schools and groups.

Over the next 10 weeks, supporters and their families are welcome to take part in the full trail, where you can search for all 60 giraffes. You’ll also have the help of a map and a dedicated free app coming soon that will reveal colorful creatures at every turn, offering exciting rewards and fact-finding missions along the way.

A smaller four foot version of the giraffe will be on display at the Fanzone at Selhurst Park.

Matthew Sims added: “This free event will unite our community, inviting everyone in Croydon – residents, workers and visitors – to join in the joy and celebration of our exceptional town on a massive scale.”

To conclude the trail, Croydon will host a special farewell weekend where all the giraffe sculptures will be displayed together. The club’s sculpture will then be auctioned off in aid of national charity Crisis, raising vital funds for the Croydon Skylight charity, which provides vital help to those who need it, with support for housing, employment, health and wellbeing, in a bid to to help people. leave permanent homelessness behind.

“Croydon Stands Tall is a brilliant project that we are proud to support, with our very own special giraffe. The art trail is a great way to while away a few hours for local residents and families, but will also attract visitors to the area as part of the London Borough of Culture celebrations,” said Steve Parish, chairman of Crystal Palace.

“Our players have visited Crisis Skylight in Croydon before and we hope that the auction at the end of the project will raise a significant amount for their important and valuable work.”