Importance of the arts the focus of Dunstan lecture series
The Governor and a former Premier will headline a new Adelaide talks series highlighting the influence of the arts.
Governor Frances Adamson will feature in a new lecture series at the Dunstan Playhouse later this year. Photo: Tony Lewis/InDaily
The Adelaide Festival Centre today announced The Don Dunstan Lectures as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations this year.
The free series, a partnership with the Don Dunstan Foundation, the University of Adelaide and Flinders University, will feature Governor Frances Adamson and former Premier Mike Rann speaking at the Dunstan Playhouse in November and December.
In the first of the talks on November 28 at 6.30pm, the Governor – who had a long career in the diplomatic service – will investigate the role of cultural diplomacy and the value of the arts to society.
In the second session, on December 14 at 6.30pm, Rann will examine Don Dunstan’s creative legacy in film and screen and his wider arts legacy in South Australia.
Other topics for discussion include exporting Australian creative industries and national cultural policy.
Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion.
“South Australians have long been beneficiaries of the stories that artists have shared in our galleries, theatres, and venues,” Adamson said. “It is through our many forms of artistic expression that we build our identity as a community. Arts, culture and creativity are also how we project our culture to the world.”
Rann said his time working for Dunstan was “one of the greatest privileges of my life”.
“For me, his inspiration and enduring legacy is that a small state can lead the nation in critical areas of public policy, as a laboratory for reform,” he said.
“To lead, not follow. That was certainly the case in the arts.
“So many of Don’s initiatives were taken up by other states. He believed the arts, like his concept of multiculturalism, could enrich our lives and expand our horizons. And he was right.”
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and artistic director Douglas Gautier said the lectures were “an opportunity to discuss the wider value of the arts to society, both nationally and internationally”.
The events are free to attend, but registration is required to reserve a seat.
Registrations now open for session one here and session two here.
