WoolOn Creative and Fashion Society Inc, are changing tack for its WoolOn 2020 event in response to the Covid-19 global pandemic.
Following advice from the health community, Government and local authorities, the WoolOn 2020 event will not be held at Highlands in August as scheduled, but instead will move online with a whole new programme of events and activities for designers and the wider public.
WoolOn Creative and Fashion Society Inc. deputy chair Mary Hinsen said the committee was conscious of the impact Covid-19 was having on communities and creative events, but still wanted to keep WoolOn at the forefront of people's minds.
“It is important we recognise the seriousness of the current situation with Covid-19, and as a committee we believe to run the event in its traditional format this year wouldn’t be socially responsible. So instead of cancelling, we are pivoting, and leaning into the technologies available to provide a range of online experiences for designers and the wider public,” Ms Hinsen said.
The recently launched education programme would continue in an online format, as well as introducing online designer interviews, masterclasses, and other activities.
The online offerings would be an opportunity to engage in a new way with WoolOn throughout the year, create space for innovation and allow Central Otago-based designers to interact with national and international designers, Ms Hinsen said.
Plans for the revamped WoolOn 2021 were currently underway, with designer entries scheduled to open as early as May.
“We are excited to bring the new-look WoolOn Creative Fashion event to Highlands in August 2021 showcasing our incredible region as a vibrant hub of creativity and as a stalwart of the wool industry,” she said.
WoolOn 2021 will be held at Highlands 13 and 14 August. For more information about WoolOn 2020 online and WoolOn 2021 see www.woolon.co.nz
Designers and supporters of WoolOn can also get regular updates on WoolOn’s activities on WoolOn’s Facebook page 'WoolOn Creative Fashion Event'.
PHOTO CREDIT - LISA DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHY
FEATURED DESIGNS - Himalayan Drama by Kusum Bangari (Dark Dress) and Wool You Love Me? by Louise Cook (Cream dress)