Nexus, the organisation responsible for designing and promoting public transportation in the North East of England, has exciting news for art enthusiasts and commuters alike.

Nexus will be lending its support to an extraordinary public art trail featuring eye-catching sculptures of the beloved Wallace and Gromit character, ‘Shaun the Sheep’.

The eagerly anticipated “Shaun on the Tyne” trail will transform the streets, parks, and public spaces of Newcastle and Gateshead into a whimsical display of creativity. From July 19th to September 27th, locals and visitors will be treated to the sight of 45 individually decorated Shauns, each one a unique work of art.

One of these remarkable sculptures, known as ‘Luv U Shaun the Sheep’, created for Nexus, will find its home in Newcastle’s vibrant Exhibition Park, conveniently located near Haymarket Metro station. This prime location ensures that both art enthusiasts and commuters will have the opportunity to appreciate the captivating design up close.

But there’s more to this art trail than meets the eye. The sculptures, which are sure to become beloved landmarks during their stay, will be later auctioned off to support a noble cause—raising funds for St Oswald’s Hospice. So not only will art lovers have the chance to marvel at these extraordinary creations, but they can also contribute to a worthy charity in the process.

Renowned graphic designer Tommy Anderson, known for his mastery of aerosol art, typography, photography, collage, and animation, has lent his exceptional talents to create a remarkable sculpture entitled ‘Luv U Shaun the Sheep’ for Nexus. Anderson’s playful design draws inspiration from the vibrant diversity of Newcastle itself, combining a mesmerising array of colours and shapes adorned with semi-transparent love hearts.

As the ‘Shaun on the Tyne’ art trail gets underway, residents and tourists alike are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative spirit of this beloved character. With each sculpture offering a unique artistic vision and the chance to support a worthy cause, this event promises to truly celebrate art, community, and philanthropy.

But the artistic marvels don’t stop there. As part of this grand adventure, a collection of smaller “Little Shaun” sculptures, lovingly adopted and adorned by schools and youth groups, adds an extra touch of charm to the trail.

To ensure art enthusiasts of all ages can navigate the trail with ease, a handy trail map and a user-friendly app are available. These tools serve as companions for avid art adventurers, helping them uncover each sculpture’s unique secrets while unlocking a series of rewards and fascinating facts along the way.

The magic of Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne extends beyond the main trail. A region-wide learning program awaits schools and children’s groups, with a secondary trail of smaller Shaun sculptures scattered across the Tyne and Wear area. This initiative aims to inspire and engage young minds, fostering a love for art and creativity.

As the adventure unfolds, it builds up to a grand finale—a captivating autumn auction of the Shaun the Sheep sculptures. The funds raised from this auction will directly support the patients and families cared for at St Oswald’s Hospice, making this artistic spectacle a celebration of both creativity and compassion.

For more information on Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne, including updates, details, and insider peeks, visit the official website at www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk. Join the excitement on social media by following the trail’s journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, using the hashtag #ShaunOnTheTyne. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary art-filled adventure that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

Nexus Customer Services Director, Huw Lewis, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the Shaun on the Tyne arts trail this summer, and we’re looking forward to people getting out and about on Metro to discover all 45 of these unique and really eye-catching sculptures.

“The project has been led by St Oswald’s Hospice and all of the sculptures will eventually be sold to raise vital funds for a really worthy charity, which does such vital work in our region.

“Our Shaun the Sheep sculpture, which is called Luv U, was chosen as we really loved the artist Tommy Anderson’s design, which is very colourful and celebrates diversity.

“We hope people will enjoy this art trail, download the app, and get out and about to see all of the Shauns. Our Shaun is being displayed alongside a range of others at Exhibition Park in Newcastle, not too far from Haymarket Metro station.

“It’s great fun for the family and an ideal day out over the summer holidays.

“Metro was the headline partner for the Great North Snowdogs trail in 2016 and Elmer the Elephant in 2019. They both proved popular and created an uplift in customer numbers as people went to see the sculptures.

“We’re hoping for the same boost this time, and any families heading out to track down all of these amazing sculptures, then don’t forget, that you can take the kids for free on Metro.”

Chief Executive at St Oswald’s Hospice, Steph Edusei, said: “The trail will showcase the wealth of artistic talent in the area, whilst positively contributing to the economic, social and cultural life of the region.

“But above all it will be fun, and our way of saying thank you to the people of this region for all the love and support they have shown St Oswald’s Hospice over the years. We exist to help them, but we couldn’t do that if they didn’t help us – and we are immensely grateful.”