CubaDupa repurposed to indoors

In light of the recent tragic events, the Creative Capital Arts Trust, organisers of CubaDupa, have decided to move CubaDupa indoors and out of the streets for this year’s festival.

Tim Brown, Chair of Creative Capital Arts Trust and CubaDupa says “To reflect public concerns and safety we have decided that a street festival is impractical, but we are making alternative arrangements so that the music and performance can be staged indoors”.

Organisers are currently working to provide an alternative programme in venues within the Cuba Street precinct. Details of this programme will be released by Thursday morning on the CubaDupa website cubadupa.co.nz and social media.

Drew James, Artistic Director of CubaDupa says “we have a large number of artists who have been preparing for this for a long time. Thanks to the City, WREDA and others we have managed to find venues for a lot of what was going to happen on the streets. We are going to put on a brilliant show and I hope the people of Wellington and the many visitors will turn out and enjoy the performances and show their solidarity.”

All the amazing eateries, bars, shops and restaurants in the wider Cuba Precinct will be ready for a great weekend and the message to out-of-town visitors who have travel already booked is ‘come to Wellington - there will be plenty to see and do, eat and drink’.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says: “Cubadupa is one of the highlights of the Wellington calendar. I am looking forward to the off-street programme, which will still offer fantastic events for all those who want to experience Cubadupa.”

CEO of Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA) Lance Walker also supports the decision. ““CubaDupa is an event that celebrates community spirit in a highly visible way, so it’s obviously disappointing this year’s festival has to be shifted indoors. We fully support the decision the Creative Capital Arts Trust has made and will continue to support them in delivering a great event, albeit a scaled back version.”

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