Illuminate Adelaide: A Dynamic City Experience Fueled by AEDA's Support

Visitors projected to exceed one million

More than one million visitors are expected to venture into the city this July as Illuminate Adelaide shines a spotlight on the CBD.

Illuminate Adelaide, proudly supported by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) as a Government Partner, is a fusion of art, light, music and technology that takes over the city and its most prominent landmarks.

Illuminate Adelaide received a substantial boost in funding, amounting to $100,000, courtesy of AEDA's 2023-24 Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program. This financial support assisted in enabling the creationof an immersive and vibrant city experience, ultimately fueling an increase in visitor numbers and expenditure within the central business district.

The event features a remarkable showcase of works from 142 artists – 29 local, 43 interstate and 60 international creatives across 79 installations and 2080 scheduled performances.

Illuminate Adelaide Co-founders and Creative Directors Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi said they were delighted to bring back the event to Adelaide, which contributed to a total spend of $365 million into the economy last July.

“We are delighted to be back with our third program, once again showcasing a diverse and engaging season of the world’s best, cutting-edge art and sound,” they said. “We are proud to have transformed winter nights in South Australia and this year we expect to welcome over one million attendees into the city”.

Among the exciting events includes the free City Lights program where Adelaide’s most iconic streetscapes are transformed into a night-time adventure of colour and sound. With more than 40 free works over the 17 days, including the school holidays, City Lights promises a new program of boundary-pushing local and international artists reimagining laneways, street-fronts and open spaces.

A highlight includes a premiere projection work on the iconic façade at Government House, Into The Light, celebrating some of South Australia’s most innovative women. Rundle Mall is included in the trail, as well as work from celebrity chef Poh Ling Yeow whose installation The Girl will be displayed on Rundle Street.

South Australia on the world stage

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said there was “no excuse” to stay inside this winter.

“It is terrific to welcome back Illuminate Adelaide, as the innovative festival shines a light on our boutique capital this winter,” she said. “Illuminate Adelaide offers an impressive month-long program of Australian premieres and Adelaide exclusives including immersive displays, state-of-the-art technology, bold musical acts, and more.

“This is another world-class event showcasing South Australia on the world stage, continuing our state’s blockbuster events calendar, which has helped drive our visitor economy to hit an all-time record high.” 

Illuminate is on until 30 July.

Find out what events are on around Adelaide by visiting ExperienceAdelaide.com.au/WhatsOn

Find out how AEDA can help your business or event by visiting AEDA | Opportunities & Grants (aedasa.com.au)