I acknowledge the great contribution Craig Donarski made to the arts in south‑west Sydney during his tenure as the Director of the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre from 2016 to 2023. Craig's approach involved integrating diverse programming into a holistic platform for culture. The Casula Powerhouse is surrounded by residents from over 150 countries, speaking more than 140 languages, where no single group dominates in numbers, making it the ideal environment for fostering this approach. By attracting major festivals and exhibitions such as the Archibald, Sydney Festival, Sydney Writers' Festival, the Biennale of Sydney, and the Sydney Film Festival, Craig has made high‑quality cultural experiences accessible locally. His legacy has provided a multidimensional arts space that is inclusive for individuals of all ages, from children to adults. Most importantly, in my appetite's opinion, it includes the revamped Bellbird Dining and Bar, which offers local, sustainable, seasonal and affordable fine dining to all. I wish Craig all the best in his future endeavours.
Craig Donarski - Director of the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
05 June 2024