Nearly 50,000 people attended one of the events at the iconic Hamilton Arts Festival in February and March reinforcing organisers’ decision to go ahead despite a $150,000 deficit after last year’s event.
Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival Foundation director Geoff Turkington said attendance was up 40 per cent and broke all earlier records since the arts event started in 1988.
Speaking recently at the Waikato Rotary Club, Turkington said the community rallied with overwhelming support last year when despite a successful event, there was a deficit.
Fly My Pretties drew a big crowd to the 2020 festival.
The introduction of the Patron Scheme – cheekily titled Friends with Benefits – welcomed donations from individuals, families and small businesses.
It raised $32,100 and along with funders and sponsors, the shortfall was reduced and gave the foundation the confidence to continue with this year’s event.
“The festival now stands as Aotearoa’s largest regional arts celebration, reflecting its rising national profile and deepening local pride,” he said.
Hamilton residents accounted for 53 per cent of the attendance while 30 per cent were from outside Waikato.
The economic benefit to Hamilton was $14.1 million, according to figures formulated using the Live Performance Value Economic and Wellbeing Calculator at Massey University funded by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Sixty volunteers gave 1086 hours of time during the festival which consisted of award-winning drama, dance, comedy, music and fashion. Three quarters of the 800 artists employed were from the Waikato reinforcing the festival’s role as the largest employer – paying out $325,350 to local artists – and a vital contributor to the cultural economy.
Volunteers include dragon boat and waka ama competitors who provided back of house services to the festival in exchange for a donation to their clubs. Waikato University Hockey Club has a similar arrangement and provided security and bag-checking services.
Turkington said a key feature was the strong emphasis on community-led events. Examples of this was The Music is Bond with Orchestra Central partnering with Tim Beveridge Promotions and Opus Orchestra collaborating with NZ Opera to stage The Elixir of Love.
Four of the six main stage performances on the Rhododendron Lawn featured Waikato artists.
“The festival is a cultural powerhouse, delivering an unforgettable celebration of arts, community and creativity,” said Turkington.
The festival will be held in February and March next year.
“Continued and increased investment is essential to secure the long-term future of Hamilton’s most magical celebration of arts and culture.”
Couture in the Gardens. Photo: Supplied
