Coromandel Arts Strategy

More than 70 artists from around the Coromandel attended a workshop this week to investigate the development of an Arts Strategy for the Coromandel.

The arts sector on the Coromandel has been asking for an Arts Strategy, which will help with stronger promotion and marketing of local Coromandel artists.

The workshop, facilitated by Creative Waikato, covered what would be incorporated into an Arts Strategy including what we define as arts on the Coromandel, what assets we already have and why a Strategy is needed.

"The focus is ensuring Council has some over-arching strategy that recognises the value and contribution the arts sector provides to the Coromandel," says Councillor Diane Connors.

Cllr Diane Connors is leading the development of an Arts Strategy with support from our Economic Development Programme Manager Ben Dunbar-Smith and Community Development Officer Marlene Perry.

"I strongly believe that creativity adds to the quality of life - whether you participate or share the experience of it. We have such a wealth of talent living in our communities (some internationally renowned artists) - from singer/songwriters, sculptors, painters, potters, actors, dancers and body artists. I want us to not only acknowledge what we have but nurture it, celebrate it and showcase it," says Cllr Connors.

The timing of an Arts Strategy is good as recently we hosted Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) in the District. ATEED is interested in the Coromandel, with its strong arts and artisan food sector, to be a bit like the Nelson experience. There are both economic and social benefits to a vibrant arts sector and an Arts Strategy will help Council to identify how we can strengthen and support the arts in the Coromandel Peninsula.

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