Speeches
Tuesday, 27 February 2024
Adelaide Festival Chairman’s Circle Reception
Rod and I warmly welcome members of the Chairman’s Circle to Government House.
Philanthropy is a powerful driver of positive change. Historically, it has been a superpower for our state.
Generous giving in the past has helped build the South Australia of today.
Today, the legacies of the Bonython, Angas, Waite and Ramsay families, to name a few, live on in powerful ways.
As members of the Chairman’s Circle, you are part of this proud tradition.
A group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and achievements, you share a love of the arts and of the South Australian community.
This commitment is at the heart of the Adelaide Festival philanthropic community, and in particular the Chairman’s Circle.
I think you would all agree that the Adelaide Festival is the jewel in the crown of the arts in South Australia.
For more than 60 years, it has brought us internationally acclaimed theatre productions, an eclectic array of world-class musicians, breathtaking dance pieces, renowned writers and striking visual arts displays.
The festival bolsters the careers of both emerging and established artists, commissioning and championing Australia’s most innovative new work, along with presenting work by some of the world’s great companies.
The 2024 Festival will deliver an increase in the number of events and world premieres compared to last year.
I am pleased to see two new, unique initiatives in this year’s program: Create4Adelaide, with students from 100 South Australian schools producing creative responses to climate challenges, and Floods of Fire, bringing together the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, a Citizens Orchestra and a chorus.
I trust these initiatives will prove fruitful explorations of the intersection between the arts and the environment, and the participation of professional performers with community participants, to their mutual benefit.
Friends,
Thank you for your contribution to this year’s festival, as well as the ongoing impact of your generous support.
Funds raised by the circle over its history now amount to more than three million dollars, a substantial achievement by any measure.
I thank members of Adelaide Festival Board, as well as the Board of the Foundation, for your leadership and philanthropic activities.
As our sense of anticipation rises, I congratulate on behalf of everyone Ruth Mackenzie and Kath Mainland on he 2024 program, one of the most exciting yet.
Rod and I wish you an enjoyable festival and we look forward to seeing you at many events!