In a landmark moment for Adelaide Festival Centre and South Australia's arts community, Dr Pamela Wall AO has pledged an extraordinary $10 million to the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation. This is the largest performing arts donation in South Australian history and the most significant individual philanthropic gift ever made for programming to a performing arts centre in Australia.
For Pamela, Adelaide Festival Centre is more than just a venue—it’s a place that has shaped her life and holds countless cherished memories.
"Ian and I have loved the theatre together for many years, sharing countless memorable performances that moved and inspired us," she reflects. "Adelaide Festival Centre is more than just a venue; it's a symbol of inspiration and possibility for our state."
Her connection to Adelaide Festival Centre runs deep. Since 2002, Pamela and her late husband Ian have been passionate supporters, contributing to projects including the redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre and establishing a fund to support the centre’s youth arts programs. This latest donation is a continuation of their shared vision: to give back to a place that has brought them so much joy while creating opportunities for artists to create work and the community to experience the magic of live performance.
Dr Wall’s $10 million gift will have a transformative impact on South Australia’s cultural landscape:
- Empowering Artists: The funds will support diverse arts programming, enabling artists to create, innovate, and present their creative visions.
- Supporting Festivals: Adelaide Festival Centre’s beloved events like DreamBIG Children’s Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival, First Nations programming, and OzAsia Festival will benefit from this generosity.
- Securing Longevity: The donation ensures sustainable funding for Adelaide Festival Centre’s programs, solidifying its role as South Australia’s cultural heart.
Dr Pamela Wall AO
Image: Naomi Jellicoe
"I hope this contribution helps secure the future of Adelaide Festival Centre as a vibrant cultural hub," Dr Wall shares. "I want young people to be inspired by the performances they witness, for artists to have the support they need to innovate, and for audiences from all backgrounds to experience world-class productions."
Dr Wall believes deeply in the power of the arts to unite communities: "The arts have always been a source of inspiration and joy in my life," she says. "Supporting Adelaide Festival Centre is not only a way to give back but also a way to honour Ian and the passion we shared."
Her vision extends beyond financial support - she hopes her gift inspires others to recognise how vital philanthropy is in keeping the arts alive. "It takes passionate individuals, businesses, and philanthropists to ensure that creativity is nurtured, risks are taken, and new stories are told."
The impact of Dr Wall’s generosity has been celebrated across South Australia’s arts community.
Evie 8, Dr Pamela Wall AO, Douglas Gautier AM, Leila 15, Emerson 10.
Image: Naomi Jellicoe
“We are extremely grateful for this extraordinarily generous contribution from Pamela Wall to the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation, one of the most significant philanthropic contributions to the arts in SA. This gift demonstrates the belief Pamela has in the arts shaping the future of South Australia’s cultural landscape and providing more opportunities for artists and audiences of all backgrounds to experience our programs at Adelaide Festival Centre - the heart of the arts.”
Miranda Starke, Dr Pamela Wall AO, Abbie Taylor and Sam Diotallevi
Image: Naomi Jellicoe
“This extraordinary gift will provide lasting financial support for the centre’s programs, ensuring the arts remain a vital part of our community and are enjoyed by all South Australians for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for Pamela and Ian’s belief in the power of the arts to connect, uplift, and inspire.”
Dr Pamela Wall’s donation is an investment in creativity, inspiration, and connection. It ensures that future generations will continue to gather at Adelaide Festival Centre to experience unforgettable performances. Pamela’s passion for nurturing young talent and making the arts accessible is evident in every aspect of her giving.
"The arts are a gift to society," Dr Wall says. "My greatest wish is that this gift continues to enrich lives for years to come."
Thanks to her generosity, South Australia’s cultural heart beats stronger than ever - ready to inspire awe, spark creativity, and bring people together for decades to come.
Major Gifts and Endowments
Major Gifts and Endowments from visionary donors ensure the long-term sustainability of Adelaide Festival Centre and help us ensure that the transformative power of the arts reaches everyone in our community.
