Spearheaded by the progressive Premier of South Australia in the late 60s and 70s, Don Dunstan, South Australia has proudly presented itself as “The Festival State” – both as a cultural identity and on our licence plates (from 1981 – 2008).

Mad-March earned it’s chaotic moniker thanks to the concurrent running of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Adelaide Festival, Writers Week and WOMADelaide – but festival lovers can find something on any given month in the state with Tasting Australia, Illuminate, Feast Festival, Santos Tour Down Under, and Adelaide Film Festival (to name just a few).

And festivals are big business for South Australia. Two of the highest performers, Adelaide Fringe Festival and Adelaide Festival confirmed that with their 2024 numbers.

Outside of the economic advantages, festivals are a unique way to platform and grow local talent, as well as enliven and spotlight SA’s strongest attributes.

In an interview with Square Holes client, Mat Kesting from the Adelaide Film Festival, says that the joy in festivals is found in uncovering local voices that speak to our unique experiences here.

“It’s also about telling our own stories too. As the father of three young kids, I want them to grow up with local cultural reference points. And not have those reference points be superseded by content from the US or larger English-speaking markets, so that’s really important that we reinforce our own culture on screen and through other art forms,” said Kesting.

Another client of Square Holes is _SOUTHSTART, a festival run annually for innovators, entrepreneurs and investors. In an interview with Square Holes, festival Director, Danielle Seymour says that the festival setting helps to highlight those elements that make South Australia unique.

“There’s a real benefit in mobilising our interstate networks and bringing in a refreshed lens on all the fantastic aspects of our city, as it reminds us of what we have right at our doorstep, and can often take for granted” said Seymour.

“There’s something really beneficial about bringing that positivity into our state, rather than it needing to be fuelled outwards.”

Another Square Holes partner, Kristy Rebbeck, Head of Marketing & Business Development at State Theatre Company SA, says that while there have been ups and downs in recent years when it comes to putting on festivals, organisers are continuing to evolve to serve the greater community.

“Challenges in the festival environment recently have included the impact of COVID-19, which disrupted and cancelled many events, as well as increasing competition for audiences and funding. Reflecting on recent years, there’s a greater emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and adapting to changing audience preferences,” said Rebbeck.

So what makes South Australia particularly well positioned as the nation’s festival state? Our well-planned and easy to navigate city, strong arts culture, government backing, favourable climate all make it a well-equipped state to hold world-class festivals year after year.

Compact and Accessible Capital City (Adelaide)

• Adelaide’s layout: The city is designed in a grid with wide boulevards, making it easy to navigate. Most festival venues are concentrated within the CBD, ensuring easy access for visitors and performers.
• Parklands and Open Spaces: The city is surrounded by parklands that serve as perfect festival venues, such as the Adelaide Botanic Park (for WOMADelaide) and Rymill Park (for Adelaide Fringe).
• Proximity to Regions: South Australia’s top wine regions (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills) are only an hour’s drive away, enhancing food and wine festival experiences like Tasting Australia.

Strong Government and Community Support

• Government investment: The South Australian government actively supports the arts through grants and infrastructure funding. Adelaide Fringe, for example, receives funding to maintain its open-access format, allowing artists from all over the world to participate.
• Festival-friendly policies: Laws and regulations support street performances, pop-up venues, and extended trading hours, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Historic Arts and Festival Culture

• A long-established festival scene: The Adelaide Festival began in 1960, and Adelaide Fringe started soon after, growing into the second-largest fringe festival in the world

To learn more about how Square Holes can help you grow your cultural organisation – head here.