Mercury Bay Art Escape 2022 cancelled

Announcement from the Mercury Bay Art Escape

In recent days we have seen and felt the impact of the arrival of Omicron in the community, a shift to Red status and the governments forecast this week (24th January) that the Omicron peak is expected in 6 to 8 weeks time. This is exactly at the time when we will be hosting the Exhibition Showcase and the Open Studios which is a significant issue for us.



Ian Preece – Chairman and Project Leader.

Technically, Mercury Bay Art Escape artists can open as individual studios based on the governments guidelines under Red, however, the broader and more relevant issue that the organisers have considered is the potential for the a co-ordinated event to become a super spreader of Covid 19.



One of the main goals of the Art Escape is to attract people from all over New Zealand, to see the art and meet the artists of Mercury Bay in their studios. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year who are actively encouraged to visit as many of the artists studios as possible, which this year totals 50 artists from Hikuai to Matarangi. Many of the artists open not just their studios, but also their homes to host this event.



Taking this broader view the Mercury Bay Art Escape Trustees and Steering Group have concluded that the risk to the local community as a whole is simply too high to proceed with the Open Studios and the Exhibition Showcase in March this year.

They believe that the only responsible decision therefore was to cancel the March 2022 Art Escape Open Studios and Showcase Exhibition.



The organisers appreciate that many people will be disappointed and actively encourage the broader view of the impact of the choices they are making for the safety of the entire community, schools, families and workplaces.



Alternative Plans

It is the intention to provide an alternative plan in the days ahead when there is a better idea as to what can practically be done. Meanwhile there will be continual promotion of the artists through the Art Escape website, social media and via the on line magazine, while the Trustees and Steering Group work through this plan.

The discussions with our sponsors has been hugely supportive and they have indicated their complete support for the choice made.

 In the meantime, to all our sponsors, artists and friends of Art Escape, we thank you for your continued support and patience as we find our way forward through these challenges.

Ian Preece – Chairman and Project Leader.