Campaigning for Peter

As we draw ever closer to the much anticipated completion of Blue Water Black Magic in December this year, Maritime Museum and Te Papa staff are continuing to pore over the final details and composition of the exhibition.

The weight of responsibility felt by all involved to maximise the exhibition’s impact is not lost, so every effort is being made to extract every last piece of value potential that we all know is there. Te Papa’s proven expertise in developing this kind of powerful, interactive experience has been invaluable, and sits at the core of the partnership with the Maritime Museum.

Helping us realise that potential has been the extra funding provided in response to our call to former colleagues of Blakey. Early in 2005, the late Sir Tom Clark came up with the idea of inviting people who had worked with Sir Peter over the years to contribute to Blue Water Black Magic. The aim was to top up our secured funding by a further $600,000 to ensure a high level of exhibition interactivity, supporting an experience that speaks clearly and with impact to young people.

1981-82 Ceramco NZ crew member Simon Gundry has supported Sir Tom’s idea saying over the years, Peter gave so many people life changing opportunities. “This tribute currently under construction will leave a legacy for the years ahead for the people who unfortunately never got that opportunity. A contribution at this time will be the final piece of the project fundraising target.”

We hoped many more of Peter’s colleagues would agree, and launched a campaign in February that will continue until September this year. It seems they did agree, because to date we’ve raised over $385,000. This support has proven invaluable in allowing us to invest in leading technology and other materials that we know will help us meet the public’s high expectations for Sir Peter’s official tribute.

It’s also further proof (if any was needed) of the impact that Sir Peter had on so many lives, that so many of them have wanted to contribute to this exhibition. The sincere thanks of the Maritime Museum to everyone who has helped us out; especially to Briony Ellis, Development Director for the project, who has worked tirelessly in securing funding and sponsorship and developing strong and enduring partnerships with our supporters. Her commitment and dedication to the project has been unfaltering.

If you’re wondering, yes there’s still time to make your own contribution too. Contributions over $500 received prior to 30 September 2009 will have the option of being permanently acknowledged within the exhibition itself, along with a range of other benefits. You can make a donation here.