Big splash by Wellington's young performing artists

NEWS RELEASE
6 September 2011

Big splash by Wellington's young performing artists

Artsplash, Wellington's arts festival for young people, starts this week. This year's dance, music, drama and visual art performances have many influences including the World of Wearable Art and Rugby World Cup 2011.

More than 100 Wellington region primary and intermediate schools are taking part which makes it one of New Zealand's biggest participatory youth arts festivals. The performances are in two sections - drama and dance performances will run between 7-9 September at the Opera House and visual art, and music and wearable art performances are between 19-22 September at the Town Hall.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the event is a showcase for the future generation of Wellington's culture. "Now in its 24th year, Artsplash is the creative canvas for our young people to be seen, heard and everything in between. When we think about the Wellington culture we'll be enjoying in 2040, the young talent to help take us there is on show at Artsplash."

Kirsten Kelly, Wellington City Council's Arts Programme Advisor, says there are lots of superb shows this year. "More than 100 students from Miramar North School will be performing a choreographed RWC 2011-themed dance routine and students from the St Pius X School choir will be signing the New Zealand national anthem."

The musical concerts have 500-strong choirs performing songs from many of the countries taking part in RWC 2011. They will be conducted and directed by Ella Buchanan Hanify and Ruth Armishaw. The Chilton/Gallery Orchestra and Wellington's Sinfonietta will also feature in various performances, along with the Artsplash Festival Band.

All tickets for performances are $5 - limited door sales will be available.
For full details of events and dates go to Wellington.govt.nz

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