AFTER eight years of immersing himself in the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival’s evolution and inclusive nature, literary program organiser Rhett McDonald has left to focus on his professional career.
Mr McDonald reflected on his time with the committee fondly and said he was first drawn to joining the group of volunteers as he believed art was accessible to all.
“Art does not discriminate, everyone can appreciate it and it was also part of my local community,” he said.
“If we believe in our community then we have to find ways to contribute to it.”
During his time on the committee, Mr McDonald said the festival had evolved with the times.
“When I joined in 2010 the festival was approaching a time where it needed to evolve and I was lucky enough to be part of that stage,” he said.
“The committee and the festival began to stretch the boundary of what art was.”
What Mr McDonald appreciated most about the committee was its ability to look beyond just painting and drawing – as it devoted time to music, dance, drama and literary.
“It’s fair to say festivals always contain pockets of that, but we really wanted to welcome everyone – art can be everything,” he said.
A major highlight for Mr McDonald was its significant 25 year celebration.
“During the celebration the festival reached high numbers,” he said.
“After that we were worried not knowing what would happen from there – but it has stabilised and cemented its place even more.”
Mr McDonald said he appreciated the festival’s inclusive ability – as it provided an event for any race, gender and age.
“That is what the committee has embraced in recent years and I hope the festival remains sustainable and remains inclusive,” he said.
Leaving the committee due to his professional career demanding more of his time, Mr McDonald said he will still continue to stay involved on some of the sub groups.
“We have had an extra four of five committee members join recently so we will see what that brings in the future,” he said.
Mr McDonald encouraged new members to join the dedicated committee and advised them to attend a meeting to see what it was all about.
“I would advise anyone wanting to be part of the festival to take their time with it – go along to a committee meeting and understand how it all works,” he said.
“You will be able to find your niche and the parts that you most want to get involved in.
“Volunteering in the community and the arts festival are wonderful things.”
