Business
octopus patronsThank 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!
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