Museum of Wellington City & Sea: 'What Year Are You?’

January 26 2015

Museum of Wellington City & Sea asks Wellingtonians ‘What Year Are You?’ in new Fundraising Campaign

Museum of Wellington City & Sea is selling each of the 150 years that Wellington has been the capital city as it launches a major new fundraising campaign next week.

The What Year Are You? campaign has been set up to raise money for the development of the Museum’s Attic space. The project has already secured funding from the Ministry for Culture & Heritage, Wellington City Council and the Lottery Grants Board but the Museum, named one of the Top 50 in the world by The Times of London, is now looking for support from the people of the Wellington region.

From Monday, January 26, people will be able to ‘buy’ one of the 150 years that Wellington has been capital city (from 1865) via a dedicated Trade Me presence. The names of everyone who buys a year will be displayed in The Attic when it opens later this year. Throughout the five-week campaign, a series of events on Throwback Thursday will pay homage to the people and stories that make our region unique.

On January 29, Throwback Thursday will travel back to the 1930s and the opening by Tip Top of the capital’s first milk bar. For just $2 - or more, if people are feeling generous - Wellingtonians will be able to enjoy a delicious Tip Top ice cream served by members of the Richter City Roller Derby, with all proceeds going directly to the project. Future events will showcase the work of some of this region’s companies and institutions, all of whom have kindly donated time and products to make the events possible.

The Attic exhibition will reveal some of the fascinating collection items which until now have been hidden away in the Museum’s Collection store. The opening of The Attic will increase the Museum’s floor space by nearly a third and is the first stage in a major, multi-year development project. Over the next five years, all four floors of the Museum’s historic Bond Store will be developed. By 2020, the Museum will boast more gallery space, community areas and improved access. A café on the ground floor will complete the improved visitor experience.

Speaking about the campaign and the development project, Museum of Wellington City & Sea Deputy Director Paul Thompson said: “The Attic space – which until now has housed the back office functions of the Museum – will be home to a new permanent exhibition featuring some of the untold stories of the Wellington region and is our gift to the city of Wellington in this, its 150th anniversary year. We are grateful to the people of Wellington and our corporate partners for their generosity in making this a reality.

The development of the Museum of Wellington City & Sea has already attracted a number of generous sponsors. Mediaworks, iSite Media, Trade Me, FishHead Magazine and Big Picture Company have all donated in-kind support for the campaign, while the Bresolin brother’s Scopa restaurant and Vicky Ha’s House of Dumplings have created special menu items, with part of the proceeds going towards the campaign.

Tip Top, Richter City Roller Derby, t leaf T, Tarrant Dance Studios, The Baker’s Whisk and Orchestra Wellington are all supporting the Museum’s Throwback Thursday fundraising events.

Museum of Wellington City & Sea is managed by Wellington Museums Trust, a registered charitable trust (charity number CC2571).

Details of the campaign and how to get involved can be found at museumswellington.org.nz; years can be purchased via Trade Me. General donations can be paid into the Museum’s fundraising account: Wellington Museums Trust
ANZ Bank New Zealand Ltd
06-0501-00690425-009

Throwback Thursday events will take place from 12.30pm on January 29, February 12, February 19 and February 26 under the sails on Queen’s Wharf.

ENDS

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