The Big Look-See audience development initiatives

During the weekends of 13+14 May 2006 and 9+10 June 2007, local people of the Greater Wellington region were invited to 'Sample Wellington's Arts for Free' at around 30 theatres, galleries, museums, heritage sites, arts organisations and training institutions located in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Porirua Cities.

With a multitude of 'behind the scenes' and 'give it a go' activities, artist demonstrations and talks, short performances, guided tours and more, over 7,000 people in 2006 and close to 15,000 people in 2007 had a 'look-see' at the exceptional arts, culture and heritage opportunities to be found in their own backyard - all for free!

Comments from 2007 Big Look-See attendees:

"It made me proud to see the wonderful talented people of our city and converse with them about their art/craft. AMAZING!!!"

"...even though I have lived here 30 years, I'm still surprised to find new things have popped up or things I have forgotten... in actual fact I could not fit in all that I would have liked to do in the time available!"

"What I enjoyed most was seeing areas that I have never seen before and doing it with my wife and son. I am not an arty sort of person but I did enjoy it and would go again."

 The Big Look-See: Sample Wellington's Arts for FREE! weekends (2006 & 2007)

  
 
Royal New Zealand Ballet's 'have a go' class, on the stage at St James Theatre (2006)
'Weather girls' do their thing against a blue screen at Capital E's OnTV Studio (2006) Lloyd Jones' children's writing workshop at Museum of Wellington (2006)
  
 
Shadow pictures and more with The Learning Connexion at Shed 11 (2006)Footnote Dance Company's open rehearsal with participating public, Tarrant Dance Studios (2006)Playwriting workshop at BATS Theatre with Playmarket NZ (2006)
  
 
Organ Recital at Old St Paul's (2006)
'Make your own badge', part of the Crafting Market at Pataka Museum of Arts & Cultures (2007) Tower NZ Youth Choir (Wellington members) recital at Museum of Wellington (2007)
  
 
Jazz dance workshop at Wellington Performing Arts Centre (2007) Artist at work, Expressions Arts & Entertainment Centre (2007)
Vocal warm-up exercises with actors at Downstage Theatre (2006)