Artist and Brighton Festival guest director David Shrigley has made a colourful contribution to Snailspace.

The Turner Prize nominated illustrator and Brighton resident, best known for his dark and funny drawings that comment on the absurdity of modern society, has designed a snail which is sponsored by printing company One Digital.

His snail, called Slimon, is covered in multi-coloured spots of different sizes.

He said: “I wanted to make a cheerful and colourful snail.

“I hope people take away happy feelings but I hope they do not take away parts of the snail.

“I’m very happy to participate in this project and to be able to help the wonderful work of the Martlets hospice.

“I think art and the arts are very important to people, to engage people but also to participate in.

“Engagement with the arts has a real therapeutic value as well as a cultural and entertainment value, and that is something I’m very passionate about.

“I think Martlets does excellent work and I am very happy to be able to help them. I think Snailspace will raise awareness of an important cause and encourage visitors to explore the city.”

David’s snail will be placed outside the Dome in Church Street.

Lynn Brazier, from One Digital, said: “Our connection with Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival extends many years and we have happily supported the festival and will continue to do so.

“To have the opportunity to sponsor the snail designed by David Shrigley and to be positioned at the beautiful Brighton Dome was most welcome and a very easy decision to make.

“Above all we are very pleased to be involved with helping raise money for Martlets hospice and support the amazing work they do. Let’s hope we beat last year’s fundraising total of £310,000, we do love a challenge.”

Imelda Glackin, chief executive of Martlets, said: “We’re delighted that David Shrigley is designing a snail for our Snailspace public art event and it is highly fitting that it will be displayed at Brighton Dome, in the year that he was guest director of the Brighton Festival.

“We’d like to thank One Digital for sponsoring this snail and supporting our campaign which will ultimately help fund our life-changing care.”