The Malinauskas Labor Government is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Adelaide Festival Centre.
The South Australian Labor Party understands the power of the arts and always has, with legendary Labor Premier Don Dunstan opening Adelaide Festival Centre – the first major arts centre in Australia - alongside Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam on 2 June 1973.
Don Dunstan understood that art and culture is a powerful way of connecting with one another and with the world and for 50 years, Adelaide Festival Centre has brought people together to experience the magic of the arts.
The opening of Adelaide Festival Centre marked the beginning of our state’s globally renowned reputation as the “Festival State” and we have continued to lead the way ever since with so many extraordinary artists and performers taking to its stages during that time.
Adelaide Festival Centre is one of Australia’s most active arts centres and presents a wide range of festivals, performances, exhibitions, major musicals and art activities for locals as well as attracting visitors from all over the world.
Tonight, there will be a 50th anniversary concert featuring an all-star line up of South Australian performers followed by an after-party celebration featuring cake, cocktails and DJs.
An exhibition called Turn Up Your Radio, which celebrates 50 years of Adelaide Festival Centre with music memorabilia including original handwritten song lyrics, costumes, photographs and gig posters will also launch.
The 50th anniversary celebrations don’t end tonight, there will be special events continuing throughout the year. Next up will be Adelaide Cabaret Festival and its nod to the 50th festivities with the return of an all-star line-up of nine Artistic Directors, The Cabaret Collective – Julia Holt, David Campbell and Lisa Campbell, Kate Ceberano, Eddie Perfect, Ali McGregor, Julia Zemiro, Alan Cumming and Tina Arena.
South Australians are rightly proud of our state’s legacy as the festival state with Adelaide Festival Centre at its heart.
Here’s to another 50 years and beyond of our beloved Festival Centre!
Quotes
Attributable to Andrea Michaels
South Australia has long been regarded as the arts capital of Australia and that reputation started with the vision of Labor Premier Don Dunstan when he opened the Adelaide Festival Centre, the first arts centre in Australia, alongside Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
Just like our Government, Don Dunstan understood that art is a powerful way of connecting with each other and the world.
And 50 years later, I am thrilled to be celebrating this extraordinary milestone.
South Australians are rightly proud of our state’s legacy as the festival state with the Adelaide Festival Centre at its heart.
