Sacred cows moo-ve into the urban landscape

CowParade is currently in Prague, Stockholm and Manchester, raising millions of US dollars for charity. From September until March next year, the country will be full of amazing cow characters that are so zany, they are guaranteed to make you stop and stare. Over 100 life-size, fibreglass cows, designed and created by top regional, local and celebrity artists will graze individually and in mini herds, in Durban in September and October; Cape Town over the festive season; and Johannesburg in February and March next year.

The event has become a coveted competition for the best and the brightest artists in cities around the world. Famous artists such as Peter Max, Patrick Hughes and David Lynch have all shared their talent as part of Cow Parade.

In South Africa artists, crafters, designers, architects and art students – either individually, as a group or as a formal organisation – have been invited to enter designs for the cows and hundreds have already taken up the challenge. Successful applicants will then be commissioned to create their design on a cow. Artists will be paid R10 000 for each design commissioned and applied to a finished cow.

A number of special art initiatives and community projects are also underway to ensure that the South African cows not only reflect the diverse and multi-cultural nature of this country but also showcase its creative talents.

As well as keeping the crowds amused, the cows have 'an-udder' job to do. A selection of the cows will be the stars of a gala auction in March 2004, with the moo-lah raised going to SA childhood cancer foundations, CHOC (the Children's Haematology Oncology Clinics).

The cows have become sought-after by collectors throughout the world. Elton John, Oprah, the Queen of Jordan and Lord Hesseltine all own their own cows. The highest priced cow fetched $145 000 at a recent Sotheby's auction.

Local companies are also being encouraged to sponsor a cow or a herd and can commission their own artist to really make an impression. In fact, the JSE's soccer cow, to celebrate South Africa's successful 2010 World Cup soccer bid – "Ama moo moo, Ladumoooooo", the udderly bullish cow – has been the focus of much attention in its position in the foyer of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange in Sandton.

So don't miss CowParade. You'll soon discover that it is udderly moovelous!