Merilyn bids Country Arts goodbye

IT’S somewhat ironic that in 1999 when Merilyn de Nys was appointed Arts Officer for the Upper South East, her contract explicitly said no guarantee could be given for employment beyond her initial term.

Merilyn, though, well exceeded that initial appointment notching up 26 years with Country Arts SA, before deciding to call time on her illustrious career this month.

From Arts Officer to Arts Development Manager and then an important member of the leadership team, Country Arts SA chief executive Anthony Peluso said Merilyn has always had regional communities and artists at the heart of all her work.

“While all of the work you’ve done has been about arts and culture – really it’s been more about supporting and building confidence and giving people the opportunity to be the best person they can be,” Mr Peluso said, as Country Arts SA farewelled the long standing arts promoter.

With a lengthy list of achievements from working on the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize, Whyalla Art Prize, Arid Lands Sculptural Exhibition, the Limestone Sculptural Symposium to the first-ever Fringe on Kangaroo Island and Mount Gambier, and This Is River and This is Bordertown, Mr Peluso said Merilyn’s impact across the state was immeasurable.

“It’s impossible to quantify the number of individuals and artists whose careers are where they’re at today because of the work that you’ve been able to help them with,” he said.

“And (also) the people who were on the margins of society who – without the work you’ve done – may not have found their place in the world or the confidence they needed to go that next step.

Country Arts SA also brought more than professional success with her role also shaping her personal life.

“My first community art project began in Padthaway,” Merilyn said. “A group of artists from Mount Gambier came together with the local community to dream up a large public artwork.

“Among those artists was Mark, otherwise known as HOT. At the time we were just two creatives working together.

“Nine years later, I walked into Café for YOU in Port Adelaide – now the Dutch Coffee Lab – and there he was – still HOT.

“Six months later we were married.”

Reflecting on her quarter of a century working with artists and communities Merilyn said there was not a single moment, artwork, performance or exhibition that made her proud.

“It’s the journey – all of the conversations, the connections, the catalysts, the community and the celebrations,” she said. “It’s the life we live through art.”

And it’s those conversations, along with being connected to the amazing and talented group of people that make up Country Arts SA, she’ll miss the most as she farewells the organisation.

Unsurprisingly, Merilyn won’t be leaving the arts completely. She’s already been roped in to set up a gallery in her beloved Beachport.