Strategic Partnerships Program Highlight: Festival City ADL

Adelaide is doubling down on its status as a global events capital, with the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) backing a Festival City ADL (FCA) initiative to help organisers start up, scale up and succeed.

As the peak body for festivals and events in South Australia, FCA will develop a planning tool to assist organisers in managing event production and coordination.

FCA has received $321,000 in funding over three years through AEDA’s Strategic Partnerships Program—an initiative designed to support job creation, innovation and business activity across the city.

Glyn Roberts, FCA Chief Executive Officer, says festivals and events are a “huge part” of Adelaide’s identity and an important driver of economic outcomes in the city.

He says the creation of the planner will improve the business landscape for festivals to start and expand.

“We are looking at streamlining planning and permits for new and emerging festivals with a nifty planner tool that steps the fledgling festival maker through all the things they need to consider when presenting a festival in our city,” Mr Roberts says.

“It makes it easier for the festival maker and the city to work together.

“We are also looking to refine tools around how festivals, particularly new and emerging ones, articulate their economic impact in the best way.”

The do-it-yourself interactive planner platform is designed to guide event organisers through critical steps in event planning, impact reporting and regulatory compliance.

The initiative, which can also upskill existing organisers, aims to improve the viability of new events, create efficiencies for existing ones and support the sector’s long-term sustainability.

“AEDA’s support, and any funding for that matter, helps us to provide and advocate for the best festival and events landscape in the country,” Mr Roberts says.

“It gives us freedom to try new ideas that have the potential to keep our industry nimble.”

AEDA invests in an annual calendar of events and festivals—which include a mix of arts, culture, music, sport and food—to drive visitation, spend and support local businesses.

It also aims to increase the profile of the city and North Adelaide as tourist destinations.

Since AEDA’s inception in 2021, it has invested more than $10 million into city events and festivals and has worked alongside FCA to achieve its goals.

Mr Roberts says Adelaide’s festival sector is one of the “great intangible cultures of modern Australia,” loved by locals and visitors alike.

“We examine (Adelaide’s festival culture) and ask where it can be better nurtured, protected, and encouraged,” Mr Roberts says.

“This can then manifest as looking at ways in which we can reduce costs for our members or promote new ways of working for our sector.

“We can also make it easier and more fruitful to work with all levels of government, plus lots more.

“In this way, we contribute to ensuring our glittering festival scene is as amazing as ever.”

In FCA’s latest Economic Impact Report, the organisation’s members contributed $215 million in new investment into the South Australian economy in 2023.

These festivals created 690,009 visitor nights and $392.5 million in estimated gross economic expenditure.

They also created 1,784 FTE jobs, and its strategic objectives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Business Investment Advisor Ben Kirchner says Adelaide’s successful festival culture is built on capability, coordination and continued investment.

“If we want our festival industry to remain stable, viable and globally competitive, it must be supported,” Mr Kirchner says.

“Events don’t just happen—they require expertise, funding and strong partnerships to be delivered well.

“Organisations like FCA provide critical leadership for the sector, helping established festivals grow while giving new and emerging events the structure and guidance they need to succeed.

“Through the Strategic Partnerships Program, we are strengthening the foundations of an industry that keeps Adelaide vibrant all year round.

Learn more about the Strategic Partnerships Program here.

Images

Header Image – Feast Festival

Image one – WOMADelaide

Image two – Adelaide Cabaret Festival