Adelaide Festival Centre is delighted to launch the book Celebrating 50 Years, as festivities for Adelaide Festival Centre’s 50th Anniversary year continue.
The commemorative coffee table book, published by Wakefield Press, features a collection of thought-provoking interviews by renowned South Australian arts journalist Samela Harris, offering a heartfelt tribute to Adelaide Festival Centre’s first fifty years.
With interviews ranging from public figures including Kate Ceberano AM, Eddie Perfect, Jimmy Barnes AO, David Campbell OAM, Julia Gillard AC, and the Honourable Penny Wong to name a few, Celebrating 50 Years is both a compilation of memories of Adelaide Festival Centre, and a shared vision of where the next 50 years will take South Australia’s hearts of the arts.
“If the corporeal part of the body is Adelaide, its beating heart is the Festival Centre.” Kate Ceberano
“It (Adelaide Festival Centre) kicked off the pride Adelaide took in being the arts centre of the country.” Jimmy Barnes
Author Samela Harris: “Fifty years and fifty souls with tales to tell. Some are funny, some touching, some a bit naughty but they all share the magic ingredient of abiding love, pride, and hope in a singularly wonderful and crucial cultural landmark. I share it too, these many years, and gathering all these people stories was a highlight of my professional life.”
Also part of Adelaide Festival Centre’s 50th commemorations, Adelaide Festival Centre launched a new podcast series this year called The First 50, hosted by Adelaide’s own cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan.
Featuring monthly episodes exploring the careers of influential artists who have graced the stages of Adelaide Festival Centre over the years, in long-form and entertaining interviews. Artists include musical theatre royalty, Todd McKenney and Rhonda Burchmore OAM, didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton, South Australia’s own Robyn Archer AO, dance-theatre artist Sally Chance, and most recently, Barkindji song woman Nancy Bates and OUR MOB 2022 prize-winning visual artist Temaana Sanderson-Bromley.
Find out who will feature in the next episode when it drops later this month, available to listen here or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artist Director Douglas Gautier AM: “The love and passion for Adelaide Festival Centre – our home of the arts – transcends beyond the pages of this book. Along with the people featured in these pages and on our podcast series, there are so many people who have played valuable roles in Adelaide Festival Centre’s development. We are grateful to all artists, audiences and those behind the scenes who have made the last 50 years memorable and look forward to captivating new generations in the next 50 years.
“It has helped South Australians connect with cultures from around the world.” Penny Wong
“It’s the most important place in my life; it’s where my inspiration was born!” Hugh Sheridan
Celebrating 50 Years is available to purchase online here and at the merchandise counter at Adelaide Festival Centre venues during show times.
Other items available to purchase as part of Adelaide Festival Centre’s 50th year include a specially commissioned brooch designed by artists from Adelaide’s JamFactory, a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, a travel mug and apron with a design of the Riverbank Precinct.
Shopify link here.