The Board of Castlemaine State Festival announced last week that it will commence planning for a 2026 festival and expects to appoint a new artistic director later this year. In March the board had stated that it was entering voluntary administration and that specialists from Deloitte Financial Advisory had been appointed to “assess the options available to restructure the operations, preserve the legacy of the festival and determine a path forward.”

Last Friday, the board issued a statement saying that the biennial festival model will proceed, operating in a more modest way. The statement said that the festival has been able to leave voluntary administration and continue operating through agreements struck with creditors (under a Deed of Company Arrangement) and with the State Government, giving the festival a chance to rebuild. It stated that these agreements will help secure the future of the Castlemaine State Festival and complete the $6M redevelopment of the Goods Shed into a year-round venue.

The board’s announcement said that the festival’s new model will include increased reliance on community volunteers and fewer full-time staff. It will also involve direct patron and supporter funding of arts content.

New festival Chair Chris Capper said in the statement that the process of restructuring the festival through voluntary administration had been tough, but necessary.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 26 July 2024.