We were delighted to be welcomed to Government House for a special reception hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC and Mr Rod Bunten, in celebration of Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation Vanguard, our community of emerging donors.

Guests heard inspiring reflections from Her Excellency, who spoke about the unique generosity of South Australians and the evolving nature of philanthropy:

“There is something about South Australians that gives us an impetus to identify what needs to be done, to join together and make things happen — a generosity of spirit alongside a generosity of giving.”

Her Excellency acknowledged the role of emerging donors and praised the Vanguard initiative as a forward-thinking response to changing philanthropic values:

“It’s great to see Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation embrace these societal shifts, creating the Vanguard community to offer giving options that empower younger people to support the arts.”

Guests also heard from Roger Lang of the Lang Family Foundation, one of the generous donors matching Vanguard contributions. He shared the personal values and experiences that have shaped his family’s giving:

“When we give we create a ripple effect: a single scholarship can launch a career; an artistic performance made accessible to a child can start a lifetime passion. All you need is the desire to make a difference.”

He reflected on the potential of the Vanguard program to make a lasting contribution:

“When many regular donations are added together big things can be planned. Your philanthropy will help to shape a future where art, compassion and community thrive.”

We are incredibly grateful to Her Excellency and Mr Bunten for their gracious hospitality and to all our Vanguard donors, whose commitment ensures that more South Australians can access, enjoy, and be transformed by the arts.

As Her Excellency shared:

“Your contributions are laying the groundwork for a vibrant culture of giving that will sustain and enrich Adelaide Festival Centre for a long time to come.”