Creative Mercury Bay is launching an innovative online video series, called ‘Bubble Bites’, to help local Coromandel Peninsula performance artists and their audiences stay connected during the COVID-19 lockdown and bubble restrictions.

Bubble Bites is a weekly series of 30 minute pre-recorded shows, featuring three artists each performing 10 minute ‘bites’ of their creative practice. Each show will be available to view on Creative Mercury Bay’s YouTube Channel, every Thursday at 5:30pm, commencing 23 April 2020.

“We understand what a difficult and uncertain time it is right now for all creatives within the arts community, as well as everyone who would usually participate as audience members at creative events,” says Jan Wright, Trustee of Creative Mercury Bay. 

“Our team has been brainstorming innovative ways to support the local arts sector through this tough time, so creatives can continue to work on their art practices and share their creations with what we know is a tremendously warm and appreciative audience,” explains Jan. 

Creative Mercury Bay is inviting performing artists from all walks of life, from all over the Coromandel Peninsula to participate in Bubble Bites.  

Participants won’t need any fancy recording or sound equipment, just a mobile phone or laptop, and the Creative Mercury Bay team is ready to assist anyone with any technical issues they may encounter, insisting that technology shouldn’t be a barrier to artist participation. 

“If there is one thing we have learned so far from this lockdown, it's that technology has helped in so many ways to keep us connected, despite our need to be physically distanced”. 

Bubble Bites invites audiences into a performer’s ‘bubble’, whether it be a rehearsal space, jam room, the dining room table or the couch. Creative Mercury Bay is encouraging artists to keep their performances organic and unplugged in true Coromandel-style - wherever in their bubble they feel most comfortable and creative. 

Creative Mercury Bay believes that art in all its forms is a powerful means of expression, and can provide a welcome distraction or help alleviate anxiety and worry, both for performers and their audiences. 

“The Coromandel Peninsula is overflowing with artistic talent. This is a unique chance to actively support our creative sector and shine the spotlight on local talent, both well-known and yet to be discovered!”

Bubble Bites will debut on Creative Mercury Bay’s YouTube Channel on Thursday 23 April at 5:30pm. This will be a pilot series of 3 episodes initially, with a further 7 episodes to be produced once funding has been received.