As the end of 2011 draws near I also come to the end of another phase in my life. Last year I worked as a volunteer for South Africa's biggest street festival the Obs Fest. It exposed me to the behind the scenes work of organising a festival and the bug bit. So when I got the chance to work for the organisors this year, I jumped at the opportunity. What an amazing experience that turned out to be. I learned about event organising from all angles; legal, artistic and organisational. I met the most amazing people and got help from the most unexpected places. In the end we hosted a very well organised festival, perhaps a bit too well organised and not edgy enough. For many reasons the festival did not turn out the way it was envisioned, but this I see as an opportunity to grow and do better. Sadly, for me this is the end of that road though. Lack of funds has forced the organisation to put all projects on hold and that includes renewal of my contract.
Where I'll be going next I don't know, but as one of those Obs icons said, it will come. For now, I am looking forward to going away with my family for a few weeks and when the next Obs Fest happens I be there, dancing in the street!