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Arts newcomers urged to 'test draive' online scheme
A major new online initiative designed to entice thousands of people to ‘test drive’ the best of Northern Ireland’s thriving theatre and performing arts scene has just been launched in Belfast.
Funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council, the new website, www.testdrivetheartsni.org, will for the first time enable anyone in Northern Ireland who has never been to live theatre or performing arts events to get on-the-house tickets to some of the city’s hottest shows, including the Lyric’s The Absence of Women and the Ulster Orchestra’s upcoming James Bond music night at Belfast Waterfront.
The initiative is managed by Audiences NI, has been set up to boost attendance numbers to arts organisations across Northern Ireland.
Under the scheme, prospective audience members can log on to the website to gain access to a range of performances including music, opera and theatre to comedy and dance. Over twenty Belfast arts organisations are taking part, including venues like the Belfast Waterfront, Ulster Hall and the Lyric Theatre. Local theatre companies such as Bruiser, Kabosh and Tinderbox are on board, while the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and Belfast Children’s Festival are just two of the festivals represented.
Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said: “Building audiences for the arts is a priority for the Arts Council, and Test Drive the Arts is the perfect incentive for tentative newcomers. There’s an amazing choice of arts activities on offer out there for all ages and interests and, if they just give it a try, we know people won’t look back.”
Audience Development Manager for Audiences NI, Alice Lewis, who is co-ordinating the initiative said: “Northern Ireland has a rich cultural and artistic heritage that is enjoyed by thousands of people every year. Yet many have not experienced the full range of arts experiences on offer. We want to change that. The principle behind testdrivetheartsni.org is simple – it’s about giving would-be arts enthusiasts the chance to ‘test drive’ the arts, whether that’s opera or comedy.
“The new website lists a wide range of shows available. Simply select the performance you are interested in attending and complete the registration form online to request tickets. Tickets will be regularly available on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you go online the better the chance you have of securing the tickets you want.
“There are huge benefits to using the online offering. You can browse the website in your own time and request tickets when it suits. An added bonus is that ticket availability is up to date, so you will know if your application is successful within seconds. We have teamed up with KDS Systems so whether you have internet access at home or not, free internet kiosks are available at selected venues.
“There are few places in the world that offer the diversity and quality of performances that are readily available right here in Belfast and we hope that after experiencing a live performance you will want to come back time and time again!”
The Programme will be rolled out across Northern Ireland from April with venues such as the Millennium Forum, Alley Theatre, Strule Arts Centre and The Burnavon coming on board.
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