The annual artists’ open studios, held the first two weekends of March each year, feature a rich and eclectic mix of art mediums. This is a unique opportunity to visit and chat with member artists in their studios, see their work in progress, learn what inspires them and what new art they are creating, and buy directly from their studios.

“And then, for 10 days – with input from anyone who visits – we create a single piece of ever-shifting music, pieced together from the sounds and ideas made in the space.”

Art-Is Identity is a current statement in the politics of Aotearoa at this moment, an opportunity that might offer a public reflection of identity through art. It enabled the participatory artists to define and reflect various aspects of their identity and would resonate with the viewer’s curiosity about the multifaceted nature of identity.

The Coromandel Artbeat Spring Festival kicked off on the 6th of September in Whitianga with the launch of CoroCine, a three-day local film festival showcasing the best in Hauraki Coromandel filmmaking. And in December, we see it ending in an experimental community music collaboration, Random Addition #3. From film, music, creative workshops, exhibitions, theatre, and all that comes between, our artbeat spotlighted our creative communities!

By Brooke Dennehy Larkin
The energy on Saturday night at the annual Colville Sings event was nothing short of electric. Upon entering the sparkling and shimmering Colville Hall, a disco ball front and centre lighting up the whole space, it was clear that a one-of-a-kind evening was about to unfold.

Driving Creek’s 50th Anniversary was a weekend to remember. It brought together our community to celebrate Barry Brickell’s legacy and the enduring impact of Driving Creek. The event offered something for everyone, from thought-provoking panel discussions to creative exhibitions and engaging activities.

Maururongo [Ron] Te Kawa, a textile artist and educator, came to Coromandel in August to build a creative space in the Coromandel Citizens Hall