Speeches
Friday, 03 July 2026
Morning Tea to acknowledge Illuminate Adelaide artists
Rod and I warmly welcome you to Government House to celebrate this year’s Illuminate Adelaide and to thank the exceptionally talented artists, designers, technicians, producers and create teams that bring this festival to life.
In particular, we welcome those who have travelled long distances to be here.
The success of Illuminate Adelaide is firmly founded on the fact that every installation, projection, and experience begins with imagination, dedication, and countless hours of work by people such as you.
As winter descends on our city, and the cold – as far as South Australians are concerned, at least - begins to bite, we always know that something special is about to envelop and activate Adelaide.
Light is about to transform our city as we walk down the streets, explore and visit venues, and experience this inspirational artform.
The streets become packed with families who are enthralled by the compelling sights and sounds.
Through light, music, and technology we can reimagine what we know. Buildings become canvases for stories and images. The Botanic Gardens take on new perspectives and pathways.
The trees whisper stories, Rymill Lake becomes a wonderland of gliding swans.
Whether across free or ticketed events, audiences encounter works that are bold, trailblazing, and creative.
The art of light invites us to think deeply about our world, our connections, and our environments.
Here at Government House, Miguel’s outstanding work The Origin of the World will assist in the realisation of Rod’s and my objective to make Government House open and accessible to all.
We are also pleased today to be joined by Jacopo Baboni Schilingi, whose original score accompanies the work.
Thank you, Miguel, for using our building as your canvas: it’s a compelling marriage of light, and sound.
Rod and I are delighted this is the fourth year that Government House has been part of the City Lights program. Across the city, tens of thousands of people experience quite different projections.
We are looking forward to tonight’s viewing and will be putting on our beanies and warm jackets!
I congratulate Rachael and Lee for their vision, one that continues to see llluminate grow.
It has now become a keenly anticipated part of our festival calendar, thanks to the Illuminate Adelaide team.
The success of Illuminate Adelaide is a testament to your talent, imagination, your skill, your desire to push artistic boundaries, your diligence alongside the dramatic.
Thank you for the beauty, joy, and energy you bring to the festival.
You transform the expected into the unexpected and enable us to see the city with fresh eyes.
Congratulations to everyone involved.