Turner Contemporary’s campaign to bring a ‘Polar Bear’ to Margate this Summer has been extended by a week.
The fundraising bid will now run until midnight on Tuesday, May 22. And now, every pound donated via the Art Happens link will be match-funded by a private donor, meaning a £50 donation now contributes £100 towards the campaign’s goal of £15,000.
So far, the campaign has raised 57% of its target. If the campaign succeeds Turner Contemporary will be able to bring Paula the Polar Bear to Margate to roam through the town and onto the beach on 20 days across the summer season.
The aim is to provoke discussion on global warming and how people relate to animals – the theme of Turner’s upcoming summer exhibition: Animals & Us.
Paula is a life-sized, realistic Polar Bear puppet. She is owned by Greenpeace UK and has already travelled to Washington DC, Finland and Auckland to raise awareness of environmental issues.
Paula the Polar Bear will provide photo opportunities, surprise visitors to Margate and encourage thought provoking conversations about how humans can better co-exist with animals.
The project will only be realised if the gallery is successful in raising £15,000. Donations can be made from £5 and there are a number of rewards on offer in return for support.
Turner Contemporary has worked with Margate based artist, Sprankenstein to create a limited edition canvas bag and an exclusive print.
Other rewards include:
- A curator led tour of the summer exhibition, Animals & Us
- A behind-the-scenes workshop with Paula the Polar Bear
- An afterhours tour of the exhibition, Animals & Us, for you and a group of friends followed by a drinks reception
Make a donation via the following link: https://www.artfund.org/get-involved/art-happens/paula-bear#details