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Festivals and events are embedded in the DNA of South Australians – they are a vibrant and valuable part of our culture and have helped to shape our identity for decades. On the surface, they may simply be viewed as a source of entertainment for locals and visitors. However, festivals and events contribute so much more. They provide extensive economic and social value that positively contribute to the well-being of our citizens and our economy.
Economic Prosperity
Social Fabric
South Australia has invested to build its competitive advantage in festivals since the inaugural Adelaide Festival in 1960. The 2022 Tourism Sentiment Index reported that in Q1 2022 Festivals, Events, and Concerts in Adelaide were ranked as the city’s #1 most loved asset. In fact, it placed 4th in the world as the top destination for festivals, events, and concerts. And it must be noted that this tourism asset generated 26% more positive sentiment than the global median, placing Adelaide in the top 15% in the world in this category.
Recently, the Malinauskas Government’s South Australian Economic Statement recognises and clearly prioritises that creativity is a key driver of prosperity, and enabler of economic diversification, and a driver of social change. It states that, We need to recognise the intersection of social, environmental and economic policy, and the link between prosperous communities and successful economies. After all, at the heart of our economy is the South Australian people.
This document (Impact Explorer) dives into this concept by setting out the spectrum of economic and social policy areas to which festivals and events contribute across South Australia. From jobs and revenue for the state, liveability and workforce attraction, to multiculturalism and community cohesion – the impacts from our festivals and events reach all dimensions of our society – now and into the future. As depicted in Figure 1, many of these policy areas straddle both economic and social impacts, although it could be argued that they all contribute to both the economic and social well-being of our great state.
Despite the extensive positive impact, there are also numerous challenges to the long-term success and prosperity of South Australia’s festival sector. The vision of Festival City Adelaide is that Adelaide is recognised nationally and internationally as Australia’s Festival Capital. For this vision to become a reality there are a number of areas of policy and business conditions that need attention to ensure our festival sector is thriving, leading and achieving its goals.
