By Abbey Cannan
Despite rising costs forcing huge festival cancellations, the Noosa Alive Festival is Stayin’ Alive in its 22nd year thanks to the community and their thirst for the arts, along with volunteers who work selflessly to support artists and live performance.
Renee Stafford from Noosa Alive Festival said, “We feel proud that the Noosa community and local businesses value artist’s craft, the arts and cultural live performances.“
“When a community gathers, it’s the stories retold through live performance that ignite emotions, feelings, provoke thought, and sometimes ignite action.
“We feel NOOSA alive! has been supported by many volunteers over its 22 year history and this is what has allowed the festival to fine tune the execution of the program to ensure it meets the desires of attendees each year.“
Renee said seeing so many festivals with histories disappear was devastating to not only the community but to the artistic talent in Australia.
“Australian artists are a talent and an export industry. Australian festivals provide artists with a training ground and opportunity to perfect their craft,” she said.
“You don’t become David Williamson or a band like Powderfinger overnight.
“Our Noosa STARS alive! Talent search is one of the events on the program offering Sunny Coasters aged eight-18 a chance not only to win cash but an opportunity to further their craft on stages.”
Renee said presenting an arts and cultural festival was by no means cheap or easy.
“Rising operating costs, performing fees, event infrastructure, production, security, labour/crew costs, travel/ transport, accommodation and insurances, all contribute to the overall costs,” she said.
“The world of festivals is full of risk, and financial, sponsorship, volunteer and philanthropic support is crucial to keep the dream alive.”
Renee said state, federal and local government support would be beneficial.
“We have an international airport, beautiful scenery and plenty of accommodation to service our guests,“ she said.
“A festival requires finances to operate, a return on investment for donors, and a proven formula for a successful program.
“As much as we entice interstate and overseas attendees to NOOSA alive! Festival, it’s the local residents that ensure the extra tickets are sold.
“Noosa adores NOOSA alive!, the arts, beaches, the fresh produce, the National Park and being told a good story through live performance.“
Thirty volunteers are the reason the festival has continued its success in its 22nd year.
“Some of our volunteers have been with the festival since 2002 when David and Kristen Williamson started The Noosa Long Weekend in 2002,“ Renee said.
“The committee are all volunteers despite having their own businesses and jobs to attend to.
“The festival director Ian Mackellar has assisted the festival in-kind for many years apart from the small remuneration he charges.
“Without Ian Mackellar, our volunteers, the business and family foundations who rallied post Covid, this festival may not have survived.
“Kate Hart, Dixie Walters and Marie Lewis are longtime volunteers of NOOSA alive! (and many other organisations) and have steered our brigade of volunteers through the good and tough times.
“We are always looking for more passionate arts lovers who want to give back. Volunteers can apply on our website under the Volunteer Tab.“
The Noosa Alive! festival presents 10 days of music, theatre, thought and performances from 19-28 July.
Keep the festival alive while supporting artists and live performance by purchasing a ticket or volunteering at noosaalive.com.au
