THIS GROUP NOT ONLY GETS
CREATIVE, IT HAS FUN DOING IT!
E
very community benefits from a vibrant
arts programme. A relatively new arts
promotion group, Creative Mercury Bay, has
solidified to offer locals a vast range of arts
activities, workshops, and performances.
Vast and unique range! From classical music
performances to pro quality graffiti workshops!
From beginners uke to pro quality video
production! And they are just getting started!
The Trust’s arts advisor, Hilary Falconer,
summed up their 2013 achievements. In
addition to their vibrant programme of
performances and classes, they “developed
a website which includes links to other arts
organisations and tutors”, she said, adding
that they have worked collaboratively with
other arts groups in the area. “This is a
model rarely achieved even by far more
mature arts organisations.”
FILMMAKING WORKSHOP
CMB recently offered a series of filmmaking
workshops. Eleven participants between the
ages of 11 and 60 worked with James Muir,
a young local film director with a passion for
telling unique New Zealand stories. Muir’s film
pedigree is impressive, winning awards for his
River Dogs
and
Love in a Little Town.
OFFERS UNIQUE – FUN! – ARTS OPPORTUNITIES
Film director James Muir
guides two film students on
the use of video cameras.
They were shooting a story
about a woman who rescues
local penguins.
Right: The participants’ films
premiered at the ‘Inspiring
Stories’ Filmmaker Roadshow
in May at The Monkey House
Theatre in Whitianga.
Students, young and old, participated in the
Creative Mercury Bay ukelele workshops and
celebrated their achievements with a combined
performance in the Mercury Bay Area School
hall in April.
CELEBRATE THE EVERYDAY
P. 866 5818
NO OCCASION REQUIRED
Students learned how to write, shoot and
edit a short film, the essentials of storytelling,
the craft of cinematography, and the skills of
smooth editing.
The finished films covered topics such as
trampskating (skateboards minus wheels on
trampolines), the Swim the Beaches fundraiser,
Otama Beach, local marine life, the impact of
pesticides on bees, the Whitianga skatepark,
and launch of a restored fishing vessel. James
commented, “for the participants to have
produced work of such quality in such a short
time is highly impressive!”
Their newly acquired skills were screened at
The Monkey House Theatre as part of the
nationwide “Inspiring Stories” events.
Look for more of Muir’s video workshops in the
CMB 2015 programme.
UPLIFTING UPCOMING!
Upcoming events include Arts on Tour theatre
productions such as Penny Ashton’s show
Promise and Promiscuity, July 5 Whitianga
Town Hall), Munted (August 13), Massive
Theatre Company acting and directing
workshops (June 27-29), Bays Best Perform
(August 30), and a live cabaret style show with
Mel Parsons and Samoan “gang” comedian
James Nokise (September 19). And at the
end of September, the return of hands on
workshop with graffitti artist Bobby Hung!
art scene
Led by Chair, Jan Wright, CMB applies
for funding to ensure ticket prices are
accessible and that the quality of the
programme rivals our city neighbours, albeit
on a smaller scale. She encourages people
to volunteer and “enjoy contributing to a
vibrant and fun team!”
-Paula Davis
GET INVOLVED!
To volunteer contact info@creativemercurybay.
co.nz or phone Jan Wright on 07 8671309 or
027 224 1927. Check the CMB Facebook page
and website for news of upcoming arts events.
The website also offers links to local tutors in
dance, art and music.
See
Last year, graffitti artist Bobby Hung held a workshop, with plenty
of hands on, both chalk and spraypaint. He returns in September.
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COROMANDEL LIFE LATE AUTUMN/WINTER
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obby
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