E ngā kaihāpai o te ao Toi, tēnā koutou i runga ngā tini āhuatanga o te wā.

Escape! 2020: Living in Interesting Times

Bringing you the news that Escape! 2020 has been cancelled is bittersweet – we know you would have loved our programme of speakers, theatre, storytelling and workshops but we’re pleased to be able to do our bit in the battle to keep Covid-19 from devastating our communities.

In reaching the decision to cancel our much-loved little festival with big ideas, the Trust Board has acted responsibly in adhering to Ministry of Health guidelines – and has also seen an opportunity that this most interesting of times presents.

Bringing the arts into local homes and hearts as people go through social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine has never been easier, thanks to modern technology. Couple that with the old-fashioned charms of storytelling and … our team is already brainstorming ideas so watch this space!

We would like to thank all the grant-makers, sponsors and patrons who so happily supported the building of what would have been a great Escape! from May 29-June 1. We couldn’t have got this far without you. Every funder, every ticket-buyer and every supporter is a valued member of our Festival whānau, which is why we still want to deliver unique experiences to help lift the gloom and quell the uncertainty we’re all experiencing, even if just for a short time.

We’ll be back in touch soon but in the meantime if you have any questions, please phone the office, (07)928 6213, or email info@taurangafestival.co.nz

Kia kaha ki ā tātou!
Kathryn Lellman, Chair, Tauranga Arts Festival Trust