Peta Chigwidden

After graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Arts, I gained employment at a small art gallery/gift shop called Urban Cow Studio, an icon in Adelaide for many years. Here I honed my customer service skills, as well as managing the monthly exhibition schedule, fostering the early careers of emerging artists.

I went on to work for Adelaide fashion label Naomi Murrell Studios as a creative assistant and distribution manager. In this role, I was responsible again for customer service, but also liaising with stockists, suppliers, and, when we started do-little pop-up events, with council bodies.

One of my favourite memories is curating a live music market on Leigh St, Singing in the Lane, where local musos played while punters shopped.

I have always been immersed in the local art, live music, and festival scene and when Covid hit, I pivoted to front of house and hospitality work, where I really fell in love with both industries.

I worked for a company called Bespoke, who provided event savvy staff for weddings, corporate dinners, VIP Brand launches, and also major events like Adelaide Festival and Cabaret Festival. Through this role, I became an administration assistant, where I learnt the art of rostering large numbers of staff. I then went on to work in customer experience at the South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Having made lots of contacts in these roles, I then gained employment at Illuminate Adelaide, Adelaide Film Festival, and now Adelaide Festival; a role I feel very honoured to have, supporting our wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to their roles.

I would advise anyone wanting to work in these areas to get out there, get as much experience in different roles as you can, make connections, and have fun!

Pronouns: She/Her

Content supplied by: Peta Chigwidden

Edited for clarity by: Dahlia Opala

Photography by: Thomas McCammon

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