Woking & Sam Beare Hospice are looking for talented, professional artists that would like to join The Big Bear Stomp – a sculpture trail that will be coming to Surrey in the summer of 2027.

Artists can now submit designs that they would like to paint on one of the 30 big bears that will form the sculpture trail.

The two metre-long bear sculptures offer a blank 3D canvas, allowing artists a paid opportunity to show off their creativity.

Whether they choose to base their designs on a funky, uplifting idea or would prefer to take inspiration from Surrey’s natural environment, heritage and culture, a theme close to their heart, or the hospice’s values of care and compassion, it is up to them.

This is a creative and engaging way to showcase artists’ work reaching thousands of people across the community and beyond.

The team at Big Bear Stomp are keen to see designs from local and regional artists. A communal studio space will be available for artists to work locally.

Artists must submit their design ideas on a 2D template, which can be downloaded from the Big Bear Stomp website with all the details of how it works and what to expect. The deadline for submissions is 16 December 2026.

After this, the designs will be reviewed, and the bear sponsors will select the artist and design they would like to appear on their sculpture.

Charlie Langhorne, managing director from Wild in Art, said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for artists to help Woking & Sam Beare Hospice transform Surrey into a fun, free art gallery next summer. I hope artists will be inspired by the wonderful bear sculpture and will participate in this very special creative showcase.”

Artists can find more details, including all critical dates and how to submit their designs on the artists’ page at www.thebigbearstomp.org.uk.