News

March 2026 Pānui/ Newsletter

5 Mar 2026

News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!

“What the hell is going on? There are all these people painting everywhere!” was heard countless times on Saturday, February 28th. While some passers-by just had a curious peek at the artists in the heart of the Grahamstown market, others were on a mission—tracking 38 artists from the War Monument in the hills down to the waterfront.

Mercury Bay Art Escape – on now

5 Mar 2026

Open studios: 7-8-9 & 14-15-16 March 2026
This year, the event proudly marks its 20th anniversary. Check out the work of more than 50 talented local artists.

February 2026 Pānui/ Newsletter

2 Feb 2026

News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!

Get Creative: Coromandel Arts Funding Open Now

2 Feb 2026

Local artists and creative groups, it’s your chance to bring your ideas to life! Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme are open now, offering funding to support arts projects across our district. This funding round is open from Monday 2 February, and closes...

Mercury Bay Art Escape 2026: Celebrating 20 Years of Creativity

2 Feb 2026

In 2026, Mercury Bay Art Escape proudly marks its 20th anniversary. It has grown into the Eastern Coromandel’s premier arts event, showcasing the work of more than 50 talented local artists.

Making Friends Exhibition

2 Feb 2026

We are the friends that make, we are making friends. An exhibition of new work from two amazing creative powerhouses, 14-22 Feb, Hauraki House Gallery, Kapanga/ Coromandel

Dub in the Valley

2 Feb 2026

Dub in the Valley is an outdoor reggae soundsystem gathering held at the historic Kauaeranga Valley Hall, Thames, to celebrate Waitangi Day and Bob Marley’s Birthday!

How satiSfied were you with this year’s artbeat festival?

8 Dec 2025

We want to make next year even better, so if you could answer a few simple questions about this year’s festival would help us a lot. Thanks so much!

Artbeat 2025 – It’s a Wrap!

8 Dec 2025

Our third coromandel artbeat spring festival saw 95 creative events across our rohe, from live music gigs, artist open studios, workshops, local theatre, makers markets, exhibitions, community events, and festivals. The online program was diverse, offering something...

Silent Movies Live: A Performance to Remember!

8 Dec 2025

I grew up watching Mad Movies, which featured snippets of many great silent films – so I had early exposure to the genre. As an adult, I’ve watched a few complete Charlie Chaplin movies, but I’ve never had a chance to experience one in a theatre with a large audience.

Ahi Kaa: Rekindling Connections as Māori Clay Artists Return to Driving Creek

8 Dec 2025

In early November, Driving Creek welcomed Ngā Kaihanga Uku (The Māori Clay Artists Collective) & Friends back to Kapanga for their first visit in almost ten years.

December 2025 Pānui/ Newsletter

8 Dec 2025

News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!

Celebrating 10 Years of Steampunk The Thames!

3 Nov 2025

Join in the delightful madness of the 10th annual Steampunk Festival, running over four days from November 6th to 9th. Come and enjoy the fun, entertainment, competitions, dancing, prancing, games, and gadgets. The perfect opportunity to unleash your creative side and get amongst it! Bring the family, there’s fun for everyone.