Rhino Mania 

Rhino Mania, a unique, world-class art project took place over 10 weeks from early July to mid September 2010. 70 Rhino's located from the river to the Business Park, out to the Zoo and into the neighbourhoods created a trail encouraging thousands of people to follow the stampede. 

The individual designs on each Rhino highlighted a range of subjects from climate change to environmental issues and animal extinction.

Chester Renaissance worked in partnership with Wild in Art to produce this event, along with the generous support of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Bank of America, Chester Zoo and enthusiastic sponsorship of local companies and businesses.

Achievements

• Up to 70 specially designed rhino sculptures showcasing Chester’s heritage, architecture, regeneration and art scene
• The sculptures were designed and created by regional and local professional artists, community groups and schools
• Rhino Mania animated Chester’s streets, parks and open spaces
• Created partnerships and brought the business and creative sectors together with local communities to celebrate both the city’s character and its cultural identity
• The trail attracted thousands of people and encourage residents to be ‘visitors in their own city’. It highlighted the city's gems that may have gone unnoticed by visitors and residents previously, as well as areas of development and regeneration
• Each rhino was sold at a charity auction afterwards raising thousands of pounds
• Rhino Mania made a great contribution to the economic, cultural and social life of the city
• Rhino Mania helped to increase awareness of the connection between Chester as a city and Chester Zoo