Shane Colquhoun, the Manager of Black Swan State Theatre Company has said that he is excited to be chosen as the patron of Pridefest 2013. Colquhoun believes the organisation is making timely changes to meet to needs of the LGBTI community.
“I think it’s amazing,” said Colquhoun, “I don’t think anyone could argue that it’s timely that Pride is reviewing its place in the community and the state.”
Colquhoun, who has been at the forefront of ensuring the state’s leading theatre company remains relevant to it’s audience, is no stranger to the concept that organisations need to refresh their product.
Colquhoun shares that he was born in Australia but his father’s work saw him growing up in Kathmandu before undertaking his education in the UK. After a successful career as a dancer with the English National Ballet, Colquhoun found a second career in arts management.
As patron Colquhoun hopes he can initiate some conversations and ideas that will pay off for the festival in years ahead.
“I’m trying to help Pride engage more with the professional arts sector, and give advice, and make introductions. It would be great to see the festival gain two or three meaty arts events. In my time I hope I can start some conversations,” Colquhoun said.
“I’m keen to re-engage people to coming back to Pride, back to Parade and back to the celebrations. I think in my age group there has been a big disengagement, I want to bring a lot of my friends and professional colleagues back.”
The Pride Parade is on Saturday afternoon on November 2nd from 1pm, it begins at Brisbane Street, heads down William Street, along James Street and concludes at Russell Square.
Graeme Watson
