Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation provides wide support for the arts, particularly for the young. Any gift in will is a testament to one’s belief in the special place that arts and creativity hold in shaping out culture.
Sam Harvey’s decision to leave a bequest to Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation reflects his deep belief in the transformative power of the arts, especially for younger generations.
Sam’s bequest represents a long-term investment in Adelaide’s cultural landscape. “It is an opportunity to invest in our culture and future generations,” he says. “It respects those who have given in the past, knowing that you will be helping later.”
Image: A Transgender Woman on the Internet, Crying. Photo by Claudio Raschella.
In addition to his planned bequest, Sam continues to actively support Adelaide’s arts sector. At the 2024 Adelaide Cabaret Festival he championed rising artist Cassie Hamilton’s new work, A Transgender Woman on the Internet, Crying. This support aligns with the legacy of Frank Ford AM, Sam’s partner and the founder of Adelaide Cabaret Festival. As Sam notes, “Frank’s legacy continues in two ways – firstly, through his direct bequest to the Foundation supporting South Australian artists presenting their works at Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Secondly, as a result of his estate, I am able to continue his vision to help develop new talent at the festival.”
Sam’s motivation stems from a belief in the creativity inherent in all of us, especially the young: “Adelaide Festival Centre offers opportunities for young people to engage with the creative arts. The arts help us understand and explore different worldviews.”
He sees Adelaide Festival Centre as a vital platform for artistic expression: “It provides opportunities that would otherwise not be available. It’s a great feeling supporting something that you believe in.”
Frank Ford, who passed away in 2018, was a legend in the Australian cabaret scene. As Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s founder, he championed emerging artists, acting as a mentor to generations of Adelaide creatives. His passion for nurturing future talent lives on through Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s Frank Ford Commission, which in 2024 supported the presentation of Skinny a new work by South Australian artist Michelle Pearson.
Image: Michelle Pearson in Skinny. Photo by Claudio Raschella
“I am so grateful to have received the 2024 Frank Ford Commission to present my new cabaret work, (Skinny), at Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Not only did the funds immensely help with the development of the piece but the producing, marketing and production support provided through this commission was life changing. The debut of (Skinny) was an immense success and has many festivals around Australia, Edinburgh and NZ interested in programming the work and this would not have been possible without the commission. Frank Ford AM was truly ahead of his time and could see that by providing financial support to emerging cabaret artists in SA was a truly beautiful and significant promotion of South Australian talent. Adelaide Cabaret Festival is considered to be the best in the world and I would like to think that the Frank Ford Commission is a huge part of the success.”- Michelle Pearson
Sam encourages others, where able, to consider similar support for the arts. “We can all share in the joy now, knowing that through a Gift in Will this joy will be nurtured,” he says. He also advises potential donors to “please let the Foundation know of your gift so you can be thanked in your lifetime.”
Encore Bequest
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Feature image credit: Sam Harvey with the cast of A Transgender Woman on the Internet, Crying and guests from the Pinnacle Foundation at the 2024 Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Photo by Olivia Power.