Inclusivity’s at the heart of a Luma initiative.
The annual light and art festival will take over Queenstown Gardens from next Thursday to Monday, June 3 and, for the second year, will include LUMAbility, supported by Queenstown Airport, an initiative ensuring those with diverse abilities are able to enjoy the display, in a calm, crowd-free environment.
Event organisers have worked with Pivotal Point and Mint charitable trusts, Living Options, Idea Services, the Wakatipu Senior Citizens Association, Queenstown Alzheimer’s and PICS to develop the project.
Epic Living’s Sunny Sky, who has a wealth of experience working with people who have diverse abilities, is coordinating the tours and will tailor each one to groups’ needs.
‘‘On a sensory level, Luma can feel overwhelming, but our small groups and tailored programme make it easier for those who may struggle in crowds, have physical challenges or need the comfort of people they know around them.’’
The 45-minute tours will run each night, outside Luma’s normal hours, will have capacity for up to 25 people — participants bring a carer or family member with them.
Luma spokesman Tim Buckley says feedback from last year was overwhelmingly positive.
“This targeted approach helps these individuals not only experience Luma first hand, but really connect with the community, enjoy the arts and soak up the excitement of the event.”
Queenstown Airport partnerships and marketing manager Vanessa Hartnell says their partnerships programme’s anchored on creating ‘‘meaningful change’’ which provides value to the region, both for visitors and residents.
“We’re incredibly proud of the impact the collaboration [had] during its debut last year, which had very moving feedback, so we’re excited to commit to the partnership for the next two years.”
Luma runs from Thursday to next Monday, June 3, between 5pm and 10pm — tickets via luma.nz — while the LUMAbility tours run from 4pm each day.
