24/7/2008

A choir of singing dogs is being formed in Swansea to pay tribute to a famous dog of the 1930s who became a local hero for rescuing drowning swimmers from the local docks.

Artist Richard Higlett will audition a selection of dogs from the city to perform a new song in celebration of the hero.

A Song For Jack will be transcribed into a published piece of music and performed at a special one-off concert in the city.

The work has been commissioned by Locws International, a visual arts charity that works with artists to create temporary arts projects for public and accessible spaces across the city of Swansea.

"Dogs sing together instinctively as part of a pack, their sense of community," said Richard Higlett .

"In Swansea there are so many breeds with different characters and voices and all have a relationship, like us, with the place in which they live. I felt it a fitting homage to Swansea Jack whose instinct was to be a hero. It is also about fun, a celebration."

Auditions for the choir will be held on August 17 in the garden of the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea.

All dogs are welcome and a panel will decide who makes it into the choir.

Does your dog like to sing? Richard is currently looking for dogs to join the choir and take part in his project.

If your dog can sing, you can get involved by emailing locws@locwsinternational.com or calling 01792 468979. For further information visit www.artacrossthecity.com

Dates: Auditions for the next Dog Idols (!) will be held on Sunday 17th August 11.00 am - 4.00 pm in the garden of the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.