Country Arts SA pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognises their continuing connection and spiritual relationship to these lands, waters and skies. We are committed to listening and helping care for Country, and to safeguard, share and celebrate First Nations’ living cultures.
Introducing Our New Chair
We are thrilled to announce Shouwn Oosting as the new chair, succeeding Kath M Mainland CBE. His appointment marks a historic moment as the first First Nations Chair of Country Arts SA. Shouwn’s leadership and lived experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our impact across regional South Australia.
Incoming Chair Shouwn Oosting, a descendant of the Waanyi and Garawa Nations, brings over 25 years’ experience in stakeholder engagement, First Nations policy and program delivery, and governance across sectors including the South Australian public sector, training and employment, education, health, the arts and community services. Shouwn is a stakeholder engagement consultant who specialises in First Nations engagement strategy, general facilitation and Reconciliation Action Plan development and delivery. Shouwn is also a current Board Director of the South Australian Film Corporation and Uniting SA, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Laws and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
On his appointment, Shouwn Oosting said:
“I’m deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of Country Arts SA. As a proud First Nations person, I’m committed to ensuring our regional communities continue to thrive through culturally rich, inclusive, and sustainable arts practices. I look forward to working with the Board, the team, and our communities to build on the strong foundations laid by Kath and to champion the voices and stories of regional South Australia.”
Reflecting on her time as Chair, Kath M Mainland said:
“It has been an honour to serve as Chair of Country Arts SA. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, particularly in strengthening First Nations leadership and securing major investment for regional arts. Having worked alongside Shouwn for the past two and a half years I leave knowing the organisation will be in excellent hands under his leadership. His deep knowledge and commitment to reconciliation will guide Country Arts SA into an exciting new chapter as it continues to have major impacts on artists and communities in regional South Australia.”