Guide published for arts trail

Wednesday's Chronicle revealed concerns about the promotion of the arts event. Picture/File

The Artists Open Studios booklets are ready today in time for the March 22-23 and 29-30 weekends.

The booklet - an arts trail guide - is seen as crucial to the success of the event which involves more than 100 artists and attracts people from all over the North Island.

The guide is usually out several weeks before the event and its later than usual publication has caused concern among some of the participating artists who earn a lot of their income from the event.

Yesterday Elysabeth Wolter, chairwoman of the Artists Open Studios trust, responded to the criticism, saying the 2014 event was on track to being the most successful to date.

"With an increase to 69 studios featuring over a 100 artists, the Artist Open Studios trust has been working extensively on ensuring the event is attracting new visitors to experience this comprehensive arts event," she said.

A new marketing campaign was launched in December with the release of 10,000 'Save The Date' promotional fliers which were distributed through direct marketing and in other ways.

"For the first time, volunteers attended Martinborough Fair to distribute information about the event to some of the 25,000 visitors there," Ms Wolter said.

"This strategy has been well received and plans are under way to improve our presence at this and other events that meet our visitor demographic."

She said the popular Arts Trail Guide would be released today - 10,000 copies have been printed - and it was available to download on line at www.openstudios.co.nz

"The trust is confident they are well prepared to host another successful event and encourage the local Wanganui community to visit the diverse range of arts on show in their town."

Marty Lindsay, sales manager of The Radio Network, said there had been a radio commercial campaign valued in excess of $36,000 to promote the event and this was on air in Wellington, Kapiti, Taranaki, Wairarapa and Manawatu.

"Additionally, digital banners [containing a direct link to the Artists Open Studios website] are up and running throughout the country on our Newstalk ZB and Coast websites.

"We're confident this year's event will be at least as successful as it has in previous years."

Artists Open Studios special: See Arts in Saturday's Wanganui Chronicle