Schoolchildren create a colourful herd to celebrate Sidmouth’s donkeys and artistic heritage

A herd of painted donkey sculptures has been drawing in visitors after taking centre stage at the South West Academy of Fine & Applied Arts (SWAc) annual exhibition in Sidmouth.

The Academy celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and as part of their annual exhibition, launched their Schools’ Donkey Project, offering children from a number of local East Devon schools the opportunity to show off their creative skills by painting the life-sized fiberglass models.

The Donkey Sanctuary has had its headquarters in Sidmouth for over 50 years, making donkeys the perfect animal of choice for these colourful, painted sculptures. Alongside a number of other local businesses, the Sanctuary sponsored the donkeys, which will be on display at the event at Kennaway House in Sidmouth from Tuesday 28 October until Saturday 8 November.

Under the direction of Nic George, SWAc’s Education Officer, children from Sidbury and Beer primary schools, guided by the teachers and parent helpers, donned their overalls and picked up their paint brushes to create designs for The Donkey Sanctuary’s two colourful sculptures.

Beer C of E Primary schoolchildren decided upon a Jurassic Coast theme for their art design. The artwork depicts scenes and items relevant to the locations of the school and The Donkey Sanctuary, meaning the South West Coast Path, fossils and fishing boats were all integral to their striking design.

Schoolchildren from Sidbury C of E Primary School, who created the sanctuary’s second donkey design painted colourful spirals on their donkey, also inspired by fossils found along the Jurassic coast.

Ben Winnard, Head of Commercial Activities at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “This is a great way to celebrate donkeys, and we are pleased to be involved in such a colourful and creative project.

“Following the exhibition, our donkeys Edward and Elizabeth, will find a safe location at the sanctuary. We would love people to come and see them there too and perhaps take a selfie or two with them.”

One of the main aims of SWAc is to encourage the appreciation and participation in the arts, with a particular focus on art education in Devon schools, and the colourful herd with be displayed alongside the group’s open exhibition.

The Donkey Sanctuary has been part of the local community for more than 50 years. The sanctuary attracts more than 400,000 visitors from across the world every year, making it a major regional destination, as well as a benefit to many other local businesses too.

Following the exhibition, The Donkey Sanctuary’s sculptures will join their new home at the sanctuary, where visitors will also be able to come and see them. The sanctuary is open every day from 9am – 5pm. Entry and parking are free, and dogs on leads are welcome.