The Lakes District Museum is hoping to host an international exhibition next year, but to do so the museum needs to find a sponsor.
The Arrowtown-based museum has been selected to host the Anne Frank Exhibition, which was curated in Amsterdam and developed to share the essence of Anne Frank House to those who did not have the opportunity to visit it.
The exhibition shares the story of Anne and her family, set against a chronological time-line of World War 2, providing the context of events Anne wrote about in her diary.
Lakes District Museum education officer Angela Verry said the exhibition comprised 11 panels evocatively illustrated with photographs and diary quotes which ensured "all visitors will leave with not only a greater understanding of Anne's story, but the plight of all those who suffered during WW2".
"It's one of the world's most enduring stories - just the fact that it's got such a wide appeal and it's so different from the exhibitions we usually do [so it's a coup to secure it].
"Video recollections of New Zealanders who lived through the Holocaust are included, giving it a uniquely New Zealand perspective," she said.
The exhibition also came with a "wailing wall" where visitors could "text their reflections after viewing".
"The fundamental aspect of this exhibition is the education element and we have had strong interest and support not only from our local schools, but also from Southland and Otago schools already interested in booking their schools in for visits."
The museum planned to host the exhibition for 12 weeks - double the time it would be hosted at all other venues in New Zealand - from July 1 to September 11.
It would also be the prime education venue for pupils from South Canterbury to Invercargill, with a target market of about 10,000 pupils.
The museum, which relied on donations, grants and a small operating grant from the Queenstown Lakes District Council, hoped there would be "no cost to any visitors or students" and ideally provide bus transport subsidies to all schools requiring it. To do so it needed to raise a minimum of $4000 (plus GST) for exhibition hire costs, she said.
"We plan on approaching those businesses who have always supported our exhibitions in the past, but we're happy to hear from anyone who is able to provide sponsorship."
• Anyone interested in providing sponsorship for the Anne Frank Exhibition can contact Angela Verry on (03) 442-0317.
