From reduced to revitalised is summer school aim | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Wanganui's Summer School of the Arts will be a stripped-down version again this year, consisting only of glass courses.

But Whanganui UCOL is keen to see the school reinstated in all its former glory, and will start planning toward that early next year, head of creative programmes Sally-Jane de Salazar said.

Last summer the school had glass courses only. The other 12 art courses were cancelled because there were only 42 enrolments. At the time, UCOL principal Julia Pedley said change was needed to give the school greater appeal and attract people from outside the district. The recession, and the fact that last year's courses were shorter and had local tutors may also have affected enrolments.

"We will do our very best, working with the district council, to revitalise it and keep it going in a viable manner," she said.

Ms de Salazar said a broader range of courses might be popular. She was thinking as far afield as river-related courses, such as fly fishing, and had been in talks with Wanganui District Council arts co-ordinator Don Hunter and community and culture manager Sally Patrick.

The programme could be tweaked or changed radically.

"Is the length right? Is the date right for other things also happening in Wanganui? What would people like? (What tutors) would be fantastic?"

A mixture of attractions would be good, so that groups of friends or families coming to Wanganui in summer would all find something of interest, Ms de Salazar said.

Once finalised, glass class details will be found online at www.wanganuiglassschool.com