Latest News

2012 Festival News

Our new 2012 look is unveiled!
Thursday 1st February 2012
Our new 2012 look has been unveiled through the Festival website today, showing the 2011 Design Prize winning entry by Jason Marc Wood.

2011 Festival News

2012 Festival Dates Announced!
Wednesday 1st June 2011
Put it in your diaries! Next year's festival will be held from May 17-27, 2012.

2011 Photo Galleries are Online
Friday 27th May 2011
Photos from our fantastic festival are now online for viewing. Please click on the Photos button above.

Message from the President
Wednesday 25th May 2011
What a fantastic 11 days of festival! The longer format has been a great success, we had our biggest audience yet. James Reyne rocked the barrel shed at Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Josh Fartch’s winning entry in the John Shaw Neilson Art Prize was deemed very worthy, writers were fascinated by author Fiona McIntosh, patron Bryan Dawe and Krista McCelland challenged stereotypes with pieces from Arts Project Australia, children of all ages created their own art and were enthralled by performances, Co-Opera were magical, exhibitions bustled...and this is only a small snapshot of what happened.

I thank my wonderful committee for all their hard work and commitment to the event. You make our community better and put together an arts festival we can all be proud of.
Fiona Luestner, President.

CoOpera to perform The Marriage of Figaro this evening
Friday 20th May 2011
Co-Opera takes a trip back in time to 18th century tastes and manners with an occasional tongue-in-cheek reminder of the 20th century. Co-Opera’s familiar theatrical daring carries it through the plots and counterplots that lead up to the marriage of Figaro with colour and style. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start at Rymill Hall, Penola. Tickets $25 per person and can be booked through the Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre, telephone 8737 2855. BYO Supper and drinks.

Only 20 Seats left at The Longest Lunch, 'Foraged and Found'
Tuesday 17th May 2011
Get in quick to secure one of the last tickets to the inaugural Longest Lunch - some of the region's best hospitality minds collaborating to present a lunch time dining experience with a difference on Saturday, May 21. Please note there has been a change of venue due to forecasted weather conditions. The new location will be the picturesque Coonawarra Hall. Tickets are $135 per person and include canapes and complimentary drinks on arrival, followed by 4 courses of premium local fare matched with regions best wine. For bookings contact Kirby Shearing on 0450 317 589. Click here to download a flyer with further information.

More Art and Competitions Winners Announced
Monday, 16th May 2011
The 2011 Art and Competition winners were announced over the weekend. Stay tuned for photos and details. Click here for details on the Zema Estate Coonawarra Unearthed winning entries and photos. The last art prize to be announced will be this weekend at Balnaves of Coonawarra for the Coonawarra Vignerons Association inaugural Acquisitive Sculpture Prize.

Winner of the John Shaw Neilson Art Prize
Friday, 13th May 2011
The 2011 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival is proud to announce that the winner of the ‘John Shaw Neilson Art Prize’, the richest Art Prize in the Limestone Coast, is artist Josh Fartch for his piece ‘The Hours is Lost’ inspired by a sonnet by poet John Shaw Neilson. The prize was judged by artist Rod Bax and Maria Zagala, Associate Curator, Art Gallery of South Australia assisted by John Shaw Neilson enthusiast Marg Muller. More examples of Josh's work can be viewed on his website: http://joshfartch.com.au

The prize celebrates the poetry of John Shaw Neilson and his connection to Penola and requires the artist to create a 2D art work, the subject of which will be the inspiration gained from the poetry of John Shaw Neilson.

The prize is $5000 and is sponsored by The Balnaves Foundation.
All previous winners can be viewed at the Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information.

Two for One!
Tuesday, 10th May 2011
The festival committee are pleased to present for the first time two fantastic acts for the 2011 main performance. James Reyne with his band and South Australian band The Jump Daddy’s. The Jump Daddy’s will kick off the evening at 8pm playing their unique blend of music ranging from Blues to Swing. They’ll have everyone on their feet and warmed up for stage two of the evening, James Reyne with his six piece band.

James, who has sold over one million solo albums, will perform a variety of his work and we may even get a taste of his latest acoustic work, a tribute album to Elvis Presley. The stage is set for a fantastic night of entertainment in the barrel shed at Wynns Coonawarra Estate. The night will be hosted by Bryan Dawe. Tickets are $60 and available from The Penola Coonawarra Visitor Centre, telephone 08 8737 2855.
http://www.jamesreyne.com.au
http://www.jumpdaddys.com

Bus Service for Friday Night's Performance
Wednesday, 9th May 2011
There will be a bus service running to and from Penola to Wynns Coonawarra Estate on Friday evening for the James Reyne performance at a cost of $5 per person, one way. Friday night pick up times and locations are as follows:
6.45pm – Depart Penola Post Office
6.50pm – Depart Prince of Wales
6.55pm – Depart Bushman’s Inn
7.00pm – Depart Chardonnay Lodge
7.05pm – Arrive Wynns
7.15pm – Depart Penola Post Office
7.20pm – Depart Prince of Wales
7.25pm – Depart Bushman’s Inn
7.30pm – Depart Chardonnay Lodge
7.35pm – Arrive Wynns

11.00pm – First home time bus leaves Wynns

The Longest Lunch, 'Foraged and Found' - Weekend two of the Festival!
Thursday, 5th May 2011
Get in quick to secure your ticket to the inaugural Longest Lunch - some of the region's best hospitality minds collaborating to present a lunch time dining experience with a difference on Saturday, May 21. Tickets are $135 per person and include canapes and complimentary drinks on arrival, followed by 4 courses of premium local fare matched with regions best wine. For bookings contact Kirby Shearing on 0450 317 589. Seats are selling fast! Click here to download a flyer with further information.

Unfiltered, an Arts Project Australia Exhibition
Wednesday, 4th May 2011
"The great French artist Degas once observed: 'Art is not what you see but what you make others see.' Making us see is a profound gift that any artist gives to society. And that is what this wonderful show does, the artists here makes us see ourselves, our familiar icons, the environment and the everyday passages of life, in a fresh and unfiltered manner. Even though we have encountered these people, animals and places many times before, the Arts Project artists make us see the familiar as if we are seeing them for the very first time. These works make me smile, they remind me that my world is far simpler, less complex than I make it", Bryan Dawe.
This exhibition will be held from Saturday, 14th May at Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre, 27 Arthur Street, Penola, open daily 9 - 5pm. The official opening will be at 11am Saturday, 14th May by Krista McClelland and Bryan Dawe. This is a visual exploration of artwork not to be missed.

Writers Literary Delights Workshop & Events Flyer Available
Tuesday, 19th April 2011
The writers event and workshop information is available now to download as an A4 flyer to distribute at schools and bookclubs. Click here to download.

2011 TVC Available for Viewing!
Monday, 18th April 2011
Have you seen this year's television commercial on air? Click here to take a look at the winning design prize brought to life!

Kids Workshop Flyer Available
Wednesday, 30th March 2011
The kids event and workshop information is available now to download as an A4 flyer to include in your school newsletters. Click here to download.

Photo Galleries Online
Monday, 21st March 2011
Don't forget that you can check out recent, prior festival photos in the Photos section on the website.

2011 Programme Unveiled This Evening
Thursday, 17th March 2011
The Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival programme has been officially launched at the Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre this evening. The 2011 festival is the largest and most comprehensive yet, with the traditional four days programme extended to cover 11 days and nights of entertainment, art, exhibitions and workshops. The exciting 48 page programme is now available for download and features the return of the writer’s element with special guest Fiona McIntosh, Co-Opera, festival patron Bryan Dawe, the detailed and participation based family programme ‘Little Kids Big Kids’ and main act James Reyne.

The John Shaw Neilson Art Prize, $5000 first prize and proudly sponsored by the Balnaves Foundation, will again be hosted at Penola High School and in 2011 we welcome the Coonawarra Vignerons Association’s inaugural Sculpture Competition.

Also included in the extensive programme are the many exhibitions, art prizes and workshops held throughout the district’s cellar doors and galleries.

The standout success of 2010, Illumination of the South, returns and it will again illuminate the artwork, history and famous poetry of the region onto the big screen a variety of historic and unique buildings within the Penola Township.

2011 Programme will be available for download mid March
Monday, 7th March 2011
The 2011 festival programme will be available for download shortly and will be officially unveiled to festival friends and sponsors on Thursday, 17th March by local ABC identity, Lucy Richards at the Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre.

Competition Details Updated for 2011 Arts Festival
Friday, 24th February 2011
The Competition and Art Prizes pages have now been updated with everything that you need to know to enter for 2011. Visit the Competitions page for further information.

2010 Festival News

Mary MacKillop becomes a Saint this weekend
Friday, 15th October, 2010
Mary worked tirelessly throughout her life, bringing faith and education to isolated people and places. Providing food, shelter, love and compassion to those hungry, homeless and lonely. She will be Australia's first Saint after she is canonised on Sunday the 17th October 2010 at St Peter's Square, Rome. For information on the Penola celebrations please visit: http://www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=975

New Website
Thursday, 14th October, 2010
Welcome to our new 2011 Arts Festival website. The site design has taken on the look and feel of the winning 2010 Arts Festival Design Prize poster, created by Mount Gambier resident, Bianca Gillin. Bianca won a $1000 Next Byte Apple Centre voucher and a dozen bottles of Hollick wines for her fantastic entry.

12 Days set for the 20th year, 2011 Arts Festival!
Wednesday, 9th Mayl, 2010
After another successful Arts Festival for 2010, the committee has locked in the 2011 dates and next year, for our 20th year celebrations, we will be entertaining you all over a massive 12 days!

Few Remaining Tickets
Friday, 6th May, 2010
A few tickets remain for the VJ workshop, Literary Lunch, Drumming Monkey's and Renee Geyer due to cancellations. Please contact the Penola Visitor Information Centre to secure a spot on 08 8737 2855.

Bus Service Friday Night and Saturday
Tuesday, 4th May, 2010
There will be a bus service running to and from Penola to Wynns Coonawarra Estate on Friday evening for the Renee Geyer performance at a cost of $5 per person, one way. The service will also be available on Saturday between 10am - 5pm on an 'on call' basis for a gold coin donation per ride. For pickup please call 0418 838 643.

Friday Night Pick Up Times and Locations

6.45pm – Depart Penola Post Office
6.50pm – Depart Prince of Wales
6.55pm – Depart Bushman’s Inn
7.00pm – Depart Chardonnay Lodge
7.05pm – Arrive Wynns

7.15pm – Depart Penola Post Office
7.20pm – Depart Prince of Wales
7.25pm – Depart Bushman’s Inn
7.30pm – Depart Chardonnay Lodge
7.35pm – Arrive Wynns

7.45pm – Depart Penola Post Office
7.50pm – Depart Prince of Wales
7.55pm – Depart Bushman’s Inn
8.00pm – Depart Chardonnay Lodge
8.05pm – Arrive Wynns

Return buses to Penola will start after the conclusion of the performance.

The Festival Top 5
Thursday, 29th April, 2010
The 2010 festival is filled to the brim with a fantastic array of events, performances, exhibitions and workshops. The following are the Committee’s top five.... Illumination of the South; Renee Geyer; Co Opera; John Marden Lunch and; the Book Club.
1. Illumination of the South - The premiere work in 2010, sponsored by Festivals Australia, is Illumination of the South and it will illuminate the artwork, history and famous poetry of the region onto the big screen. The ‘big screen’ being a variety of historic and unique buildings within the Penola Township. It will be switched on every night of the festival.
2. Renee Geyer – one of Australia’s finest exponents of jazz, soul and R&B. She describes herself as sounding like a 65-year-old black man from Alabama. Renee is performing Friday night at Wynns Coonawarra Estate.
3. Co-Opera – a long time festival favourite this year is performing La Boheme on Thursday night at Rymill Hall. Experienced choreographer/director Nick Carroll always aims to entertain, and with its blend of humour, romance and tragedy, La Boheme is fertile material for a complete theatrical experience. Set in no specific era, this production will have its own distinctive visual, aural and dramatic aesthetic, in the best traditions of Co-Opera.
Penola Festival Association Incorporated PO Box 318 Penola SA 5277
4. John Marsden Lunch – International bestselling author John Marsden has sold over 2 and a half million books in Australia alone. The festival committee is very happy to present a Literary Lunch with John Marsden at the 2010 festival on the Saturday at Heyward’s Royal Oak Hotel. It will be a wonderful opportunity to hear the author’s thoughts and to ask questions.
5. Book Club – For the very first time the festival is hosting its own book club event. Held on Saturday at 3pm the event will be hosted by Angela Goode and Susie Kidman. The two books to be discussed, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert and ‘Why you are Australian’ by Nikki Gemmell.

The Cannonisation of Mary MacKillop Exhibition
Wednesday, 28th April, 2010
Bound mono art prints created by the students of Penola's Mary MacKillop Memorial School on the theme "The Cannonisation of Mary Mackillop" will be on display at the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre over the festival weekend. James Parker, a printmaking sculptor who works with both film and commercial industries, schools, and adult and children's organisations is coming to the school from Adelaide to inspire and facilitate the artwork. The Centre will also have some felt products available to purchase that are made by the students and parents of the Mary MacKillop Memorial School and are inspired by the influence Mary MacKillop has had on Penola.

After Sell Out Performances at the Melbourne Fringe Festival... Deaf Can Dance
Tuesday, 27th April, 2010
After sold out performances at the Melbourne Fringe Festival ‘Deaf Can Dance’ comes to Penola. Deaf Can Dance is an exciting group of deaf dancers who combine Hip Hop dance with contemporary story telling. The performance and workshop is appropriate for both hearing and hearing impaired. Following the performance a workshop will be held for those who want to learn more about this high energy dance style.Suitable for all ages this performance is a must-see at this year’s festival. For more information please contact Anne Johnson, 0419 770 522. Tickets are on sale from the Penola Coonawarra Visitor Information Centre, 08 8737 2855.

Six weeks of live interviews on ABC Southeast starting this Saturday
Thursday, 1st April, 2010
Listen in to ABC Southeast's Saturday Breakfast Show with Lucy Richards to hear what's going on, on 1161AM between 6am-10am. This Saturday tune in at 6.30am to Fiona Luestner, President of the Festival as she gives a brief overview of what you can expect from this stellar upcoming Festival!
Schedule:
April 3 - Fiona Luestner, President - Festival in general
April 10 - Anne Johnson - Coordinator of the Little Kids, Big Kids Art Zone (kids activities)
April 17 - Ulrich Grey-Smith - Coordinator of the busking and open microphone competitions
April 24 - Simone Kain, Coordinator of the Design Prize and will discuss art workshops and exhibitions and the inaugural Illumination of the South
May 1 -TJ Smith - Coordinator of the Writers Element
May 6 - Fiona Luestner, President - Festival in general - overview of everything.

Creative Galleries Available for Viewing
Friday, 26th March, 2010
Interested in seeing the 2009 entries for the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival Design Prize or perhaps all of the winning entries over the past 18 years from the John Shaw Neilson Acquisitive Art Prize? You can now view them online!

Programme Launch a Great Success!
Friday, 19th March, 2010
The 2010 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival programme was launched last night at Koonara Wines cellar door in Penola. The programme is already receiving rave reviews and has been hailed by the Arts Festival President, Fiona Luestner as being the best yet. Photos are available to view from the lauch which was attended by more than 50 sponsors, Friends of the Festival and committee members.

2010 Programme Launch
Friday, 12th March, 2010
Our 2010 amazing line up of artists, workshops, events and activities will be officially launched next Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Koonara Wines cellar door in Church Street, Penola.

Competition Entry Forms Now Available
Wednesday, 24th February, 2010
Entry forms are now available for the John Shaw Neilson Acquisitive Art Prize, Robert Riddoch Rymill Memorial Art Prize, Design Prize and Coonawarra Unearthed. More entry forms and details will be making their way online over the next few weeks.

2010 Website is Launched
Sunday, 6th December, 2009
Welcome to the 2010 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival website. Each year our website remains consistent in regards to the navigation and where you can find information on the current year's events, workshops and exhibitions, however the look and feel takes on the previous year's Design Prize winning entry. The 2009 Next Byte Design Prize, for the first time, was awarded to a Limestone Coast designer, Bianca Gillin of Mount Gambier. Bianca was awarded first prize out of over 80 entries that were received from across South Australia. If you're a budding artist or designer and would like to enter the 2010 Design Prize, please be sure to check out the Design Prize information page.

2010 Festival Dates All Set!
Wednesday, 8th July, 2009
The 2010 dates have been secured for our next amazing Festival. Please put in your calendar Thursday May 6th - Sunday May 9th 2010. These dates will also co-incide with Mother's Day - so why not think ahead and take your mother out for a day of arts, food and fun as a way to say thank you!