Shoppers at the Bridges in Sunderland will see a most unusual work of modern art this Christmas – a giant crocodile made entirely out of food tins.
But Canstruction is an artwork with a difference – it is designed by local schoolchildren, and all the cans will help to feed the needy.
The project has been developed by the University of Sunderland’s Vardy Gallery and is based on a popular American Christmas tradition, where more than 80 Canstructions take place over the festive season.
This is the first time this type of charity artwork, created to feed the poor and raise the profile of charities during the holidays, will be attempted in the UK.
Year 7 pupils at Monkwearmouth Comprehensive School submitted a number of designs inspired by the theme of Peter Pann – in keeping with the Bridges Christmas decorations. The winning design, of a crocodile, was created by Mia Storey-Coates, aged 11, from Fulwell.
Andrew Hindle, who teaches media at Monkwearmouth Comprehensive School, says: “We were thrilled to get such young pupils interested in design and modern art. I think the most exciting aspect for the children is being able to walk in the Bridges with their mums and dad and show them their art on display.”
The exhibition runs in the Bridges from December 7 to December 11. Over 10,000 tins of food have been donated by Tesco in the Bridges Shopping Centre, and when the exhibition ends all of the food tins will be donated to the Salvation Army to help families in need.