Art & creativity  |  10 Jul 2019

A $49,855 Enliven Places Projects Fund grant for a pop-up theatre has been approved by the Christchurch City Council’s Innovation and Sustainable Development Committee.

The Little Andromeda theatre project plans to host a full six-week programme of mixed performing arts in an indoor space in the central city, opening in October.

Little Andromeda first set up in the city late last year.

Little Andromeda, headed by project lead Michael Bell, first set up in the city late last year.

It will offer at least 40 performances, attracting about 5000 visitors to the city centre at weekends and on weekdays.

Little Andromeda 2019 will act as a joint venture with artists, making indoor performance space, promotion, and ticketing more accessible. Ticket prices are expected to range from $10 to $15.

The grant will fund set-up and operational costs for the proposed 100-seat venue, overseen by Little Andromeda Arts Trust project lead Michael Bell.

A diverse range of local performance groups, including actors, musicians and dancers, are expected to use the pop-up space from early October and through to the Cup and Show Week lead-up in November.

Committee Chairperson Councillor Vicki Buck says Andromeda has done many exciting things in the central city.

“It has provided a huge range of performances and activities and given many people here the chance to start out in every possible sort of performance, Cr Buck says.

We love the energy and creativity they bring and that attracts lots more people into the central city.

The decision follows the success of the Little Andromeda pop-up theatre opposite the city’s central library, Tūranga, at the same time last year.

The new proposal builds on that well-supported base, offering an improved venue.

The Enliven Places Projects Fund was established in 2012 to support the city’s recovery.

It encourages individuals, community groups and businesses to contribute to Christchurch’s regeneration with productive, positive and creative temporary projects that enliven vacant places.

These projects, in turn, contribute to community well-being and the local economy.