About CowParade – A MOOOVING History

CowParade has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people around the world since Cows on Parade Chicago 1999. Bringing art out of the museum and onto the streets in an utterly unique way, over 4,000 Cows have been created by the world’s artists. An estimated 200 million people worldwide have seen the Cows.

Each CowParade takes on the distinct character of the city and its artists. While the cow sculptures remain the same, each city’s artists are challenged by the art from past events, inspired by the cultural influences of their respective cities, and moved by their own interpretation of the cow as an art object.

CowParade is not meant to be high art, however. It is first and foremost a public art exhibit that is accessible to everyone.

To bring CowParade to your city contact us today.

 How It Works.

Artists

CowParade is dedicated to providing opportunities to all artists local to each event city. Some are preeminent artists; others aspiring or student artists. In each city, we begin anew with a freshly minted herd of unpainted cows. We begin the artist selection process by sending and advertising an "Open Call for Artists" to the local arts community.

Artists submit applications and designs for approval by the organizing team, and those designs form the official portfolio for selection by CowParade and event sponsors. Artists, whose design has been chosen by a sponsor, then have the opportunity to paint their design on the cow sculpture. Selected artists receive an honorarium for the completion of their cow.

Artists are recognized on the plaques affixed to the base of the cows, in event publications, such as our official event book and viewing guides, and on this Web site.

Sponsors

Anyone may become part of CowParade by sponsoring a cow. Sponsors are greatly needed and benefited by their involvement as they contribute to the local artist community and local charity at the same time.

There are also many marketing benefits for businesses who sign on as sponsors. Sponsors, as well as the artists, are recognized on the plaques affixed to the base of the cows, in event publications, such as our official event book and viewing guides, and on this website.

Get involved!

If you would like to become a sponsor in the Bratislava 2005 CowParade, find more information here.

CowParades are open to all artists, from the acclaimed to the amateur. Children as well as adults are invited to submit designs. For more information on CowParade and the design submission process, click here.

Why Cows

There is really no other animal that can adequately substitute for the cow and produce the level of artistic accomplishment evident in this moo-seum. The surface area and bone structures are just right, as well as the height and length. Our cow sculptures, created by acclaimed artist Pascal Knapp, were designed specifically to be an art canvass and are striking works of art on their own. Further, no other animal can be transformed into something else entirely, yet retain its identity.

Similar events have sprung up all over the country (mermaids, cod, pigs, sharks, pelicans, angels, potato heads), all benefiting good causes. However artists and admirers alike are drawn to the original cow. Nothing seems to grab the attention, provide a versatile art canvass, or auction like the cows. There’s just something about these cows!

Equally important, the cow is an animal we all love. Cows are nurturing, whimsical, quirky, and never threatening. Cows provide the milk that fosters our development, and milk is the basis of beloved childhood treats like ice cream. In short, everyone loves cows!