AFTER over two decades at the helm of Country Arts SA, long-standing chief executive Steve Saffell has announced his retirement.
Mr Saffell has been a key member of the arts organisation since its formation in 1993 and has spent the last nine years as chief executive.
The announcement comes amid a staff restructure, announced last month, which the organisation believes will help sustain long-term efforts to create and support art and culture in regional South Australia.
Mr Saffell started as a programs and resources manager with the arts body.
“It has been both a privilege and an honour to lead Country Arts SA and to have been a part of this wonderful organisation for so long,” Mr Saffell said.
“It has been extremely rewarding and enjoyable.”
Mr Saffell said now was the time for him to spend more time with family and pursue other personal interests, as well as enable “new thinking and energy” to take the organisation forward.
Having grown up in the Riverland, the chief executive has a long-life connection to regional South Australia and has been committed to increasing access and opportunity to the arts for those people living outside metropolitan Adelaide.
“At Country Arts SA we believe that access to the arts is a universal right and that all regional South Australians deserve a life rich in arts and culture,” he said.
Mr Saffell’s career highlights include investment in critical upgrades to the four aging regional art centres in Mount Gambier, Renmark, Port Pirie and Whyalla.
He has also participated in the development of local masters plans to guide future investment in line with community needs and aspirations.
“None of our achievements would have been possible without the passion, dedication and talent of the Country Arts SA staff and the support of the board,” he said.
“I am leaving but I am very excited about the future of Country Arts SA particularly given its recognition in the government’s new State Arts and Culture Plan.”
The Country Arts SA Board will now search for a new chief executive to lead the organisation through its next creative stage.
