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Norwich's streets are set to be transformed next summer when a mammoth public art event turns the city's open spaces into an artistic safari.

Around 50 life-size baby elephant sculptures, colourfully painted, decorated and adorned by artists, celebrities and community groups from across Norfolk will be on display throughout the city from 23 June to 31 August, 2008.

The event, led by The Forum Trust and Wild In Art, aims to move art out of the traditional galleries, and onto the city's streets.

"Go Elephants! will form a trail around the city, through its cultural hotspots, its lesser-known gems and into outlying communities," said Darren Cross of the Forum Trust.

"It will pump an enormous amount of money into the creative sector as well as providing an event which will draw tourists to Norwich and afford residents the chance to rediscover their own city," he added.

Walk of the elephants

Local artists and businesses are invited to take part in Go Elephants! in what is predicted to be the largest public art event Norwich has ever seen.

The event and individual elephants will be sponsored by local businesses, with artists invited to submit designs for the herd.

"They're huge fun, they'll be all over Norwich next summer and they'll just bring a lot of pleasure to a lot of people. Edinburgh's seen it, London has seen it – I think Norwich should be next," said Peter Wilson, chief executive of the Norwich Theatre Royal, one of the creative businesses supporting the project.

Peter Wilson herds the arty Go Elephants

"There are so many great artists in Norfolk and these elephants need painting. They need artists to come forward and paint them and then show their work around the streets of Norwich.

"I just think this is a great idea to get some original and creative work out on the streets and away from the galleries and museums," he added.

Animals on parade

The idea of an art animal parade has been hugely popular in other parts of the world.

From the Cow Parade which has visited cities around the globe, to the street bears in Berlin - local organisers decided it was time for an elephant stampede in Norfolk.

The elephants are made of fibreglass and are designed by sculptor Ben Cook. A new-born calf stands about 1.2m high in albino white and should be thought of as a creative canvas for artists of all mediums.

Go Elephants! is also set to bring investment into Norwich.

"There's a proven track record with these kind of public art exhibitions in that they attract significant numbers of tourists. There are people who follow these art trails all over Europe and visit them," said Darren Cross of The Forum.

"It's also good in that it's private sector investment, local businesses sponsoring the art – their money goes towards paying the artists and then at the end of the event the elephants are sold off at a gala charity auction," he added.

Taking part

If you want to design an elephant for exhibition on the streets of Norwich, guidance and submission forms are available by e-mailing: events@theforumnorwich.co.uk or calling 01603 727907. The closing date for submissions is 23 February, 2008.

Companies interested in taking part in the project should contact Mark Hand at The Forum on 01603 727975.