News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!
News
The Thames Paint Out 2026
“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
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
News from around the rohe on what’s been happening in the creative industries!
Get Creative: Coromandel Arts Funding Open Now
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
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
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
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?
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!
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...









