“Being able to visit throughout the summer and see something of this magnitude is new to Nanaimo,” said an excited Nanaimo Museum general manager, Sophia Maher.
Staging such a large, significant, and extended exhibit required a multi-partner approach, Maher said.
She noted an exhibit of this size is beyond the capacity of each of the local partners to run individually.
“So being able to work together in a partnership like this and bring all of our resources and all of our experience together is offering us the opportunity to support a really interesting and exciting experience for Nanaimo.”
Maher believes this multi-partner effort can serve as a template to support other large future exhibits in Nanaimo.
While Nanaimo Museum focuses on showcasing local area history, Maher said providing exciting experiences and boosting local tourism are other aspects of their mandate.
“Having conversations around developing our own larger-scale events and experiences is really exciting to me.”
Economic boost
Beyond Van Gogh’s six-week run is hoped to bring upwards of $6 million in economic impact for central Vancouver Island, with visitors expected from across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and into Washington State.
Tourism Nanaimo is running an advertising campaign, promoting not only the show but also the region itself.
CEO Carly Pereboom said working with the other local agencies has been rewarding.
“We are trying to bring experiences that add energy to the cultural calendar for the city for a much longer period of time and create a strong reason for folks to visit Nanaimo and for people to bring their friends and family into town.”
Estimates are based on attendance at similar shows in other communities where Beyond Van Gogh has toured.
The benefits for community, Pereboom said, far outweigh admission into the event.
“When people come for an experience like this, they don’t just attend the exhibit. They’re going to stay in hotels…they eat at local restaurants or shopping in and around downtown and further afield. They’re really here to explore, so our hope is that it kind of creates a strong regional visitation model and benefits the entire community.”
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