Throughout Adelaide Festival Centre’s buildings and grounds is our significant Works of Art Collection comprising of a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, photography, textiles, and moving image works.
This important Collection features works by renowned artists including Sydney Ball, Nellie Coulthard, Bert Flugelman, Barbara Hepworth, Beaver Lennon, Sidney Nolan, Fred Williams, Mumu Mike Williams, and Tony Wilson.
This Collection was established in 1974 when over-subscribed funds from the public appeal to build the Festival Theatre were used to commission and purchase works of art by leading artists of that time. As the theatre was built, works were commissioned to integrate into the design of the building’s foyers, façade, and entrances.
The Collection expanded from 2001-2005 with a generous grant from City of Adelaide through Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation to acquire and commission significant works of art by contemporary First Nations artists. This included a public art commission by Brook Andrew in Dunstan Playhouse and the acquisition of significant South Australian based First Nations artists such as Ian W. Abdulla, Nici Cumpston, and Troy Anthony-Baylis.
The Works of Art Collection is a significant public collection of Australian and international art that reflects the history of Adelaide Festival Centre and Australia’s visual and performing arts history.
