Amazing Bench Support

A story-book art trail organised by a charity supporting families with disabled children has been launched in Sussex.

The free-to-access Story Trail invites everyone to #SitWithUs at more than 30 BookBench sculptures, each individually painted by a local artist, until November 8.

Organised by Amaze and produced in partnership with global public art producers Wild in Art, the trail is designed as a walking route through Brighton & Hove. Each bench is an instantly accessible piece of public art, as well as a spot to rest and a place to meet others along the way.

Every sculpture carries a unique code, which can be entered into the free app to unlock rewards, discounts and offers from Amaze partners, including magnets, Story Trail merch and colouring sheets.

Although free to download, Amaze suggests a £2 app donation to help cover the cost of the trail and support its work for families with disabled children.

For those wishing to go screen-free, a £5 printed sticker book covering the same trail is available from https://amazesussex.org.uk/thestorytrail/shop/.

Alongside the large sculptures, look out for over 42 mini BookBenches which have been designed and decorated by local schools, nurseries and community groups. They will be on display at various indoor and outdoor locations, including the city’s libraries, museums, leisure centres and a number of shops.

“This is Amaze’s first art trail, and we’re delighted to finally unveil these individually painted sculptures and invite everyone to discover them for themselves,” said Sally Polanski, Chief Executive at Amaze.

“All money raised through the app, book sales, sponsorship and our November auction will help our families with disabled children. It costs three times more to raise a child with a disability, so every penny donated makes a huge difference to families across Sussex.”

For more information, visit amazesussex.org.uk/thestorytrail.

Photo credit; Emma Bailey