Business

octopus patrons

Thank you for getting involved in THE public art event of 2021.

Business

Businesses, their employees and customers were invited to be inspired, get imaginative and celebrate the creativity of Essex and beyond, joining in the celebration of the 400 years since the journey of the Mayflower from Harwich, and 150 Years of Clacton.

Streets, parks and open spaces throughout Essex were taken over by some unusual visitors… for 10 weeks in the summer of 2021, it was an octopus extravaganza!

“We are really pleased to be supporting Octopus Ahoy! as the logistics sponsor – ASM Logisitics are supplying the vehicles and Driver Hire the driver and support to put the amazing sea creatures out on the streets this summer.  We are big advocates of sculpture projects as they benefit the whole community, and as a business ASM Logistics and Driver Hire are keen to support such a worthy and fun event.”

Gary Riches, Driver Hire

“As a local business we were thrilled to be invited to become an octopus patron and be part of the exciting Octopus Ahoy! Project for 2021. We can’t wait to choose our sculpture design and to see ours, as well as all the others, decorating the local area. Giving something back for everyone to enjoy along the trail, which will be both of economic benefit to all as well as some fun along the way.”

Planet 14 Landscapes

Octopus Ahoy!:

Engaged local professional artists, community groups and schools and celebrated the creativity of the local area
Attracted regional and national visitors to the region through targeted marketing and public relations campaigns
Encouraged local residents to become a ‘tourist in their town’
Increased awareness, footfall and ultimately visitor spend in the host locations and geographical area
Was the county’s highest profile event in summer 2021

How does it work?

Businesses, community groups, education establishments and individuals were invited to sponsor an octopus sculpture
Local artists then decorated each sculpture, creating a unique work of art
The octopus sculptures were displayed around the local area for 10 weeks during the summer 2021
The octopus sculptures appeared together in Harwich in September for a farewell tour
At the end of the event, each large octopus was sold at a high-profile auction and the proceeds donated to charity

Why should Businesses be involved in Projects Like These?

Raises awareness of your company/organisation/group
Showcases and brings mass footfall to your latest development, place of business, local community
Associates your company with a design from one member of the region’s wealth of artistic talent and support the local creative sector
Supports your local charities and fulfil your organisation’s goals for corporate social responsibility
Showcases your own corporate creativity and engage your staff, customers and associates in your specially designed octopus
You benefit from an association with your own unique ‘feel good’ stories in the media, internal communications and trade publications
You play an important part in animating the area and creating an unforgettable atmosphere

Sponsorship opportunities

To encourage full participation in Octopus Ahoy! the sponsorship opportunities were keenly costed at:

£5,000 + VAT

Fees inclusive of:

ARTIST DESIGN

MARKETING ACTIVITIES

SPONSORSHIP MANAGEMENT

CONSTRUCTION OF SCULPTURE

ALL OPERATIONAL COSTS SUCH AS LOGISTICS, PUBLIC LIABILITY, ARTIST FEE AND INSTALLATION.

What Sponsors received…

Acknowledgement

  • Rights to title for PR and advertising use: Octopus Ahoy! in celebration of Mayflower 400™ and 150 Years of Clacton

Sculpture/Art Exhibit

  • One individually designed and created octopus sculpture – chosen from a portfolio of designs submitted by professional artists
  • Octopus located in a high-profile town centre location throughout 10 weeks of event

Branding

  • Acknowledgement of sponsorship on base of octopus
  • Logo acknowledgement on website, hyperlinks
  • Text acknowledgement on trail map (est. 50,000 copies)
  • Text acknowledgement on souvenir guide (est. 5,000 copies)

Hospitality and Networking

  • Invitation to official launch event
  • Invitation to business reception
  • Invitation to Sponsor Meets Artist event at the new Harwich Esplanade and pick the artist for your octopus
  • Invitations to charity auction night
  • Five official souvenir guides

PR and Media

  • Your company’s involvement promoted through press and media communications wherever relevant
  • Opportunity to create your own media stories around the octopus
  • Priority on advertising space in the official souvenir guide

Account Management

  • Account management from a team experienced in sponsorship, marketing and public relations

Fundraiser

  • Your octopus will feature in a charity auction following the event, to raise funds for many worthwhile Essex-based charities

When is it happening?

Timeline

Octopus Ahoy! hits the streets
25th June-5th September 2021