Tough call to cancel WOW

The decision to cancel this year’s World of WearableArt awards show was ‘‘devastating’’ for the creative teams, and the wider industry, say organisers.

WearableArt chief executive David Tingey said many organisers were ‘‘grieving’’ but the Covid-19 restrictions had made planning the event impossible.

‘‘It’s incredibly tough. We’ve been in business for 32 years and this is the first time we’ve had to call the show off, but we’re operating under extreme conditions. Logistically it just wasn’t possible.’’

Just two weeks ago the team had been hopeful the event would still be able to go ahead.

Tingey said there was a risk that putting off the cancellation for too long might have put the show in a position from which it would be unable to recover. ‘‘Now we can focus on rebuilding it to be an outstanding show next year.’’

The World of WearableArt show, also known as WOW, had been scheduled for September 30 to October 17 at the TSB Arena in Wellington.

About 400 people are involved in organising and performing the show each year, and it attracts roughly 60,000 viewers over its three-week run.

‘‘The loss of this year’s event will be felt by all Wellingtonians – especially those in the retail, accommodation and hospitality sectors. But I’m sure they will also understand why it had to be cancelled,’’ WellingtonNZ chief executive Lance Walker said.

A report by WellingtonNZ and WOW found that the 2019 show pumped $27.9 million into the region’s economy from domestic and international visitors.

‘‘We totally understand and support the decision made by WOW. It’s impossible to plan such a big event in the midst of all the uncertainty created by the current situation,’’ Walker said.

Wellington Mayor Andy Foster agreed WOW had made the right decision. ‘‘It’s obviously very disappointing, because it’s such an iconic event for Wellington and it’s the mainstay of so much of the creative sector’s employment, but it’s not surprising.’’

Foster urged Wellingtonians to follow the Government’s recommendations regarding Covid-19 and minimise contact. ‘‘We are all looking forward to getting through this as soon as possible and coming out with all guns blazing,’’ he said.

Any designer who had been working on entries specifically for the 2020 competition themes could resubmit their entry in 2021.

All ticketholders would be contacted by organisers and would be able to transfer their booking to 2021 or receive a refund. ‘‘Please do wait for us to contact you as we work systematically through our processes,’’ Tingey said.

The 2020 show was set to be the 32nd year for the internationally recognised competition, after getting its start in Nelson in 1987.