Coromind - Issue 34 - October25 - Coromandel's Collaborative Magazine - Flipbook - Page 2
Guest Editorial
ABOUT
CONNECT
ION
Kia Ora Koutou, Jessica and Joshua here from
Garden Music in Thames.
As artists ourselves, as well as working
professionally within the arts, we know 昀椀rsthand the complexities, joys and exhaustion of it
all. One of the best things that keeps us going
and keeps us inspired is getting that fresh issue
of Coromind.
In a unique region like the Coromandel, it’s
easy for creativity to go unnoticed, and for
communities to feel isolated from each other.
That’s why Coromind is such an important part
of our local media landscape. It connects us,
celebrates us, and reminds us of the depth of
talent we have right here at home.
One of Coromind’s greatest strengths is how
it encourages us to celebrate and support
local arts. By showcasing the diversity and
calibre of the artists who live and work here,
it reminds us how spoiled we are for creativity
in the Coromandel rohe (region). From visual
arts to theatre, from writing to pottery,
Coromind shines a light on the richness of what’s
happening around us.
For us, music is a big part of this story ... the
chance to celebrate music that is written,
recorded, performed and produced, right here.
For many in the community who had no idea
that original music was being made in their
own backyard, Coromind o昀昀ers a rare and
intimate glimpse into that creative life, and
an opportunity to experience the magic being
created just down the road.
Beyond the arts, Coromind also helps to connect
community groups. For those of us who run
small businesses, such as the local music shop,
we can feel the change Coromind has brought to
the region. It’s helped us feel part of something
bigger, fostering a stronger sense of belonging
and connection across the Coromandel.
That connection matters. Places like Thames
often feel quite separate from the rest of the
region, but Coromind bridges those divides.
It helps us see ourselves not just as isolated
towns, but as part of a larger, thriving, creative
community.
What makes Coromind unique is its variety.
It doesn’t just highlight what’s palatable or
mainstream but embraces diversity in all its
forms. It gives a platform for artists to express
themselves publicly, to take risks, and to create
for a community that is listening, watching and
learning.
At its heart, Coromind is about connection:
between artists and audiences, between
di昀昀erent parts of the Coromandel, and between
people who might otherwise never cross paths.
It’s more than media to us here in Thames, it’s a
celebration of who we are, and a reminder of the
incredible talent that surrounds us every day.
This bunch of silly dorks here at the music shop
cannot express our gratitude enough for the
work the Coromind team puts in, and how much
of a gift it is to us and our community.
We love y’all so much, Arohanui!
Words by
Jessica Paton &
Joshua Armstrong
