The organisation has appointed experienced arts leader Gareth Hart as its new executive producer, steering the festival into its 30th anniversary year.
“This is great news for Shepparton and for the festival,” Shepparton Festival board chair Tim Winkler said.
“Gareth brings tremendous experience and energy, with a passion for engaging with communities through art.”
Hart offers an extensive background in regional arts, having produced or managed more than 30 independent creative projects and festivals.
Their previous leadership roles include serving as chief executive and creative director of Burrinja Cultural Centre and as executive director of Arts Mildura.
They also have strong ties to regional communities, having chaired the Regional Community Recovery Committee in 2022-23 and, earlier this year, being appointed as a board director of Regional Arts Victoria.
The festival said Hart is joining at an “exciting time”, with plans to build on the many achievements of outgoing executive producer Diana Fisk.
“Diana has done an extraordinary job to move the festival forward this year and has provided a great foundation for the future,” Mr Winkler said.
“During her leadership, we have developed a new strategy, initiated a new structure for the board and festival ambassadors, brought back some favourite events that the community has been calling for... and also secured some great new talent.
“We are, of course, very sorry to see Diana go, but we can’t think of a better leader to build on Diana’s work than Gareth.”
Hart will officially begin the role on Monday, December 1, and can be contacted at gareth@sheppartonfestival.com.au
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