Adelaide Festival Centre

In reply to Ms HILDYARD (Reynell) (28 July 2021). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier): I have been advised:

The Adelaide Festival Centre Trust (AFCT) scenery engineering and automation workshops were formed in 1979 to facilitate the construction of scenery and automation for theatrical shows, exhibitions and festivals.

Over recent years, market conditions, the changing nature of scenery construction and effects of COVID-19 meant it was no longer financially viable for the AFCT to continue operating the workshops.

A decision was made by the AFCT to close the workshops and following discussions with two interested parties, Theatre Safe Australia (TSA) indicated that it was interested in purchasing the whole of the plant and equipment as well as taking on AFC Workshop staff.

TSA is headquartered on the Gold Coast and is one of Australia’s major suppliers of entertainment and theatre technology, with operations also in Sydney. Importantly, TSA has the capacity to make significant investment in the business, so its market entry here is a great boost for South Australia’s creative industries and national profile.

TSA has now commenced operating a scenery workshop in the premises formerly operated by Adelaide Festival Centre at Regency Park. TSA’s offers of employment to staff formerly employed by AFC will allow skilled South Australian artisans to become part of a national network providing high quality scenic builds to the arts and entertainment sector.