Wellington City Council (WCC) has agreed to underwite World of Wearable Arts (WOW).
WCC stepped up to the table as WOW needed the support in order to have the confidence to embark on selling tickets and going forth with preparations for the event. WCC supports WOW event against the risk of any further COVID-19 lockdowns/restrictions.
Mayor Andy Foster explained that WOW was critical to the city's arts and culture infrastructure. The WOW event is worth nearly $28 million to the local economy and is considered an economic highlight for the city's retail and hospitality sector. For some, the WOW event is an even more critical trading period that Christmas.
The deal between WCC and WOW included that WOW will be exclusive to Wellington for the next five years.
WOW attracts more than 60,000 people each year, it is also a competition for young local and international designers to have a chance to showcase their work on a global stage.
