Staffy art trail design competition opens to the public

Staffordshire residents are being invited to put their creativity to the test, by designing up to three of ten new 5ft ‘Staffy’ statues that will appear across the county as part of a major new public art trail.

The Staffy Trail, a 10-week installation running across Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Stafford and Lichfield, will feature 10 large 3D sculptures of Staffordshire’s new visitor mascot, Staffy.

The project is being delivered by art trail specialists Making Trails, working with local artists and schools to design each sculpture.

Members of the public of all ages and abilities are encouraged to submit their own design ideas based on Staffy’s outline. Copies are available online or in local libraries across the county.

The council is looking for designs that capture what Staffordshire means to local people, whether that’s pottery heritage, green spaces, local characters, or simply the spirit of the place.

Three winning designs will be selected, and each one will be brought to life by a professional artist as one of the official sculptures on the trail.

Martin Murray, Acting Leader of Staffordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:

“Staffordshire is the beating heart of the country, and this trail is a brilliant way to celebrate the places, people and stories that make it so special. Staffy gives us a fun and creative way for everyone to get involved.  You don’t need to be a professional artist – all you need is a great idea and a love for Staffordshire.

“We want designs that capture the pride and personality of England’s playground. If your design is chosen, a professional artist will bring it to life on one of the trail’s official 5ft statues, so this really is a chance to leave your mark on the county.”

The trail is being led by Staffordshire County Council and the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP). The completed trail will go live later this year, creating a unique visitor attraction designed to boost footfall, support local businesses, and celebrate Staffordshire’s identity.

Staffy designs can be downloaded from the Staffordshire Day website, and are now available in local libraries across Staffordshire.

To be in with a chance of winning, finished designs must be emailed to staffy@staffordshire.gov.uk or handed in at any Staffordshire library by Monday 2 March.