South Australian philanthropist and arts supporter, Dr Pamela Wall AO has pledged a $10 million gift to the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation – the largest performing arts donation in South Australian history and the most significant donation nationally made by an individual to a performing arts centre, with funds specifically dedicated to programming.
The extraordinary donation will mean a brighter future for artists and the South Australian public and will go towards arts and events programming at Adelaide Festival Centre for generations to come, including for the centre’s much-loved festivals - DreamBIG Children’s Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival, First Nations programming and OzAsia Festival.
Dr Pamela Wall AO: “I am a big believer in the power of the arts in bringing joy to the community and gathering people together. Ian and I loved spending time at the theatre, and I have so many fond memories of seeing shows at Adelaide Festival Centre and Her Majesty’s Theatre, both hold a special place in my heart. My hope is that future generations of artists and all audiences can continue to come together at this vibrant cultural hub to create, experience and enjoy the magic of live performance.”
Pamela and her late husband Ian have been long-time supporters of Adelaide Festival Centre, previously donating $1 million to the Her Majesty’s Theatre redevelopment, which went towards creating the Ian and Pamela Wall Gallery on the rooftop of the iconic theatre in Grote Street. They also created a fund in perpetuity to support arts experiences for children and students through Adelaide Festival Centre’s youth and family programs.
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM: “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.”
Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation Executive Director Abbie Taylor: “Pamela and Ian Wall have been dedicated supporters of Adelaide Festival Centre, and their generosity will leave an inspiring legacy. 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 their belief in the power of the arts to connect, uplift, and inspire.”
The Hon Andrea Michaels MP, South Australian Minister for Arts: “I’d like to thank Dr Pamela Wall AO for her incredible generosity to Adelaide Festival Centre. Pamela has been an extraordinarily generous supporter of the arts in South Australia and this new gift is a national first. Adelaide Festival Centre is the heart of the performing arts in South Australia, and we very much appreciate her contribution.”
Pamela Wall has a passion for encouraging and nurturing the next generation of bright stars and providing arts experiences for children of all ages. Having worked as a nurse at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in her early career, Pamela went on to work alongside husband Ian and served on the board of Codan for 20 years, a globally successful communications technology company. Her philanthropic contributions to various organisations have seen her recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community through charitable support and philanthropic contributions.
Images available here.
More information on Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation.
Francesca Belperio
Manager, Publicity and Content