Bird’s eye view of local retailer’s Big Hoot owl

The East of England Co-op has revealed its owl sculpture, named 'Future Holder', in the St Elizabeth Hospice Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 art trail with spectacular aerial shots.

Showcasing the sculpture in its location at Cornhill, in the heart of Ipswich, the footage takes flight to display the colorfully decorated owl from a bird’s eye view alongside views of the Suffolk town.

Partnering with Ipswich-born local artist, Indigo Price, the region’s largest independent retailer is “thrilled” to be one of the sponsors of the art trail which raises much needed funds for St Elizabeth Hospice.

Niall O’Keefe, the Joint Chief Executive at East of England Co-op said “We are over the moon to be involved in the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 art trail and finally being able to reveal ‘Future Holder, our sponsored owl sculpture. With the owl in its home at Cornhill, we cannot wait for everyone to see it!”

Indigo, who designed the sculpture, wants ‘Future Holder’ to encourage individuals and families to think about what the future could hold for our planet and what current and future generations can do to sustain the natural elements of the earth.

Indigo commented: “I really want my design to promote discussion around what the future could look like for our planet, especially for children, and to help encourage sustainable thinking.”

With artists teaming up with local businesses to create 50 decorated owls, it seems that the East of England Co-op and Indigo working together was written in the stars.

Niall commented: “We were delighted to be partnered with Indigo. Her passion for sustainability and the future of our planet aligns with a key strategic aim to take action to save our planet. We believe being a responsible and sustainable business means looking at every part of our business and culture to ensure we are creating a legacy for future generations.”

The East of England Co-op has a strong history of supporting sustainability, including its award-winning food waste campaign “The Co-op Guide to Dating” and recently becoming the largest retailer in the region to join the anti-food waste app, “Too Good To Go”. The East of England Co-op also striving to become fully carbon neutral by 2030. 

The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 is coordinated by St Elizabeth Hospice alongside creative partners Wild in Art and features 50 owl sculptures, designed by a number of artists, located around Ipswich including the town centre and the Waterfront. Visitors will also be able to meet the Little Hoot owls, who will be popping up in special locations across town; designed by local schools and groups. The trail runs until September 2022 when all the Big Hoots will be auctioned to raise valuable, much needed funds for St Elizabeth Hospice services.