Adelaide Festival generated AUD107.8m (€77m) for the local economy in 2016 according to a new report. The research, carried out by consultancy firm Ernst and Young (EY), states the festival also created 1,076 jobs in Greater Adelaide.
But the good news doesn’t end there: the festival also built up a number of social benefits for the community, which EY values at AUD52.4m. As for the festival itself, it set a new attendance record of 1,066,935 for 777 performances across 17 days.
‘The EY report confirms Adelaide Festival Centre’s economic and social value and drives home the importance of supporting and nurturing the arts industry in South Australia,’ commented CEO and artistic director Douglas Gautier. This year’s Adelaide Festival runs from 3-19 March.
After this years’ edition comes to a close it will begin a major redevelopment project as the Adelaide Riverbank, Adelaide Festival Centre and Her Majesty’s Theatre are refurbished over the next three years.
‘Once complete our refurbished venues will provide great platforms for South Australian, national and international artists to develop and present their work,’ continued Gautier. ‘The redevelopments will bring jobs and further economic impact to Adelaide while ensuring that South Australian audiences don’t miss out on the best the world has to offer.’
