Expressions Vision is Taking Shape
While construction of the city's new arts and cultural centre – Expressions – continues
on schedule, behind the scenes, Director Stephanie Cottrill is
making progress on operational plans to ensure the centre is ready
for a grand opening in early September.
Employed by Expressions Arts and Entertainment Trust, Stephanie
aims to achieve the trust’s vision of “an inspired
community celebrating expression”.
In addition to planning events and programmes before the opening,
Stephanie is also handling staff and volunteer arrangements, the
café lease, marketing, fee schedules, booking procedures,
administration, health and safety practices, and specialist procedures
for handling artworks.
Opening celebrations will be over four weeks through September.
Stephanie says an announcement will be made soon about the main
opening performance and exhibitions that are already booked.
“From the opening and beyond, Expressions will showcase
the many treasures and talents Upper Hutt has to offer,” she
says. “The trust is committed to Expressions bringing the
community together, to show what we can do, and how well we can
create, perform and celebrate together.”
Gallery and theatre plans will be finalised during March and April
with the help of facility users and audiences.
Stephanie says significant community input has resulted in a brand
and vision for Expressions that has been well received. She would
like to encourage residents to support the $600,000 fit-out fundraising
campaign run by the Friends of Expressions. More than $200,000
has already been raised through grants and donations.
Theatre seats can be bought for $1000, and anyone wishing to help with funding
the fit-out or organising other fundraising events should contact the Friends
on telephone 527 2180.
Meanwhile, Stephanie is keen to hear from local theatre technicians,
to ensure anyone who wants to operate the theatre is included in
the health and safety certification programme that begins in April.
Technicians should contact her before the end of March (email or
phone 527-2168).
Information, including floor plans of Expressions Arts and Entertainment
Centre, is available on the website.
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