Design winner for anniversary festival unveiled

THE winner of this year’s prestigious Design Prize is Shorona McLeay for her “clever interpretation of the brief” as descried by judge, Ella Huisman, Executive Director- Audience, Adelaide Fringe. Cailtin Fartch’s entry was Highly Commended with a “clean and crisp” design.

The $1,000 art prize, generously sponsored once again by Hansen Design and Print was recently awarded at Still Water Studio, the home of the Festival in the heart of Penola. The eleven entries are currently on display for the community to view along with the previous years’ street banners, that take you a step back in the Festival’s history.

Normally awarded during the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival weekend in May the 2025 Design Prize competition was delayed due to not receiving enough entries at the time. With an extended period to encourage those with a creative edge, nine designers took up the challenge. In total eleven posters were submitted, with the majority coming from within the Limestone Coast.

“This year marked the perfect time to invite a new judge (that must reside outside of the district according to the rules) for the Design Prize, and I am pleased to have made contact with the Adelaide Fringe’s Ella Huisman, who has worked with the Fringe for over a decade within the visual space.” said Peta Baverstock, Co-ordinator of the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival.

Ella Huisman, Executive Director- Audience Adelaide Fringe remarked “I was impressed with the variety and quality of this year’s submissions, but I’m truly thrilled with the winning artwork. I chose this piece because it feels so alive. I love how it layers different mediums and genres, with a nod to the festival’s strong roots in poetry while also celebrating the wine, food, and music this region is so loved for. The colours beautifully capture the season, and the layered approach means different elements can be drawn on to highlight the richness of the festival program”.

The Design Prize invites artists to create works capturing the essence of the Festival. In addition to the 2025 Design Prize, Shorona’s work will be used for all branding and promotion of the 2026 Festival, occurring on the 15-17 May 2026.

Still Water Studio is open Friday to Monday, from 10am to 3pm and the posters will be on display for the month of September. “Like the festival, this space is entirely volunteer-run, and we welcome the public to enjoy these visually designed artworks. A small donation during your visit helps support the Studio,” said PCAF Coordinator, Peta Baverstock.

Thank you to everyone who entered and made the 2025 Design Prize a wonderful highlight. Now is a good time to start thinking about entries for next year’s Design Prize competition, as we will be celebrating an amazing 35 years of the Festival. For more information visit www.artsfestival.com.au