More than 2000 copies of AWA - a new purse-sized cultural event guide for Wanganui - were snapped up within the first 48 hours of its launch, co-producer Ana Terry says.
The first edition went out in early May, to cafes, galleries, music shops and the River Traders' market in Wanganui.
The
idea for the publication came from artists Helen Craig and Ana Terry, who got their heads together to compile the successful funding application for The Real Whanganui Festival. During that they talked about the need for a cafe-style monthly arts guide for Wanganui.
They realised that with Craig's networking/management skills and Terry's graphic design and marketing expertise, AWA was achievable. The pair decided on a pocket-size printed guide that could be read while drinking a coffee, fit in a pocket, or be pinned up on a wall for the month.
They were amazed how many cultural events were on in Wanganui during May.
Using contacts further afield, the pair are distributing AWA from Stratford to Napier and as far south as Wellington. Another 500 to 1000 people receive the newsletter by email.
It's printed by H & A Design & Print, which has also helped with costs. But to be sustainable the publication needed to attract more advertising, Terry said.
