Adelaide Festival

Adelaide Festival appoints new Chief Executive

Renowned arts leader Kath M Mainland has been announced as Adelaide Festival’s new Chief Executive, commencing in April this year.

The Adelaide Festival Board has announced the appointment of renowned arts leader Kath M Mainland as Chief Executive from April 2022. 

Globally recognised, Mainland has worked in and around festivals for over 25 years, most recently as Executive Director and co-CEO of RISING – a celebration of Melbourne’s distinct cultural and creative strengths and the first non-sporting event to receive Major Event status.

Previously, she was CEO of Melbourne International Arts Festival, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Festival Fringe (the world’s largest arts festival) and Administrative Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Kath join Adelaide Festival, bringing with her experience from some of the world’s pre-eminent arts companies”, Adelaide Festival Chair Judy Potter said.

“She’s an exceptional talent, adept at identifying opportunities and making them happen. With her clear and decisive leadership she is primed to navigate the new world that international arts festivals now face.”

“Her appointment is a coup for the Adelaide Festival and we look forward to welcoming her to South Australia” 

SA’s premier and Minister for the Arts, Steven Marshall congratulated Mainland on her new position.

“The Festival is such an important part of South Australia’s identity and I am confident Kath will make a valued contribution, as she leads and supports the Adelaide Festival team to continue to deliver this iconic Australian arts festival”, he said.

Mainland also expressed her excitement on her upcoming role, “What a privilege to be joining Adelaide Festival, one of the world’s leading cultural events and one I have enjoyed attending for almost two decades”, she said.

Mainland is set to start in mid-April, with the 2022 Adelaide Festival running from March 4 to 20. For more information, head here.

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