Select a region
With less than 75 days until the Tortoise Takeover hits Jersey, Durrell is on the hunt for "one of the final pieces of the jigsaw puzzle” — a space in town to become the "heartbeat" of the art trail.
It is hoped that the space will serve as a temporary headquarters for visitors to find out more about the trail, learn why Durrell is fundraising for a new Tropical House, and pick up official merchandise.
65 miniature tortoise figurines make up the St. Helier 'shop window' Tortoise Trail, with the smaller tortoises hosted in shops, offices, cafes, restaurants, and other indoor locations in town. These miniature tortoises have been designed by different schools, community groups and charities across the island.
View this post on Instagram
The smaller tortoises can be seen from the 16 June before the main trail — featuring giant tortoise sculptures created by artists — can be observed by islanders for the first time on the 1 July.
After the trail has ended, all the tortoises will be united together for a last farewell weekend in September before the smaller models are given back to the local groups who created them.
Pictured: One of the chosen artists, Marnie Maurri, ready to create her tortoise design.
The larger sculptures will subsequently be up for auction on the 21 September to raise money for a new tropical house to home a variety of endangered reptiles and amphibians at the Jersey Zoo.
For the 'hub' in town, Durrell are ideally looking for location either on or nearby King Street, that is available from 28 June until approximately 3 September.
The hub needs to have electricity, lighting, good, large windows for signage and be a minimum of 5 square meters. A space for secondary stock would also be a bonus.
Pictured: The tortoise designs have to remain top secret until the trail is revealed in July.
Tortoise Takeover Project Manager, Zoe Le Var said: “The hub will play an important part in bringing Tortoise Takeover to life for all islanders. It will be the heartbeat of the trail in town and act as an information centre for those wanting to get involved.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support from islanders so far for Tortoise Takeover and finding the perfect hub in town, is one of the final pieces of the jigsaw puzzle.”
Any businesses or individuals that have a space they think would be suitable, can contact zoe.levar@durrell.org for more information.
Bailiwck Express is proud to be the media partner for this year's Tortoise Takeover. Sign up to our daily news email for all the latest updates.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.