Cultural Strategic Partnerships
Atlantic Street Band’s second line parade through Rundle Mall, Adelaide Jazz Festival, 27 April 2024. Photo: Dave Baun Photography
As a UNESCO Creative City of Music, culture and creativity are at the heart of our city and our community.
The City of Adelaide is thrilled to announce its Cultural Strategic Partnerships for 2023/24, offering free and affordable community led events across the City and North Adelaide for 20,000+ people over the next 12 months.
Funding recipients
Jacob Boehme (Kaurna/Narungga) – Palti Marri, Songs of the East
A new intercultural music collaboration and free community performance with Kaurna and Afghan musicians celebrating the history of communities in Adelaide’s South-West.
Tutti Arts Incorporated – The Heart Beat Club
A series of learning disabled and neurodivergent led community club nights across Adelaide's West End.
School of Chinese Music & Arts SA – The Crane at Himeji Gardens
New multicultural music performances at the Himeji Gardens in the Park Lands.
Adelaide Contemporary Experimental (ACE) – IN'DEED
New and free live art festival (performance, film, talks) activating West End venues.
Kaya Blum – Adelaide Jazz Festival 2025
An expansion of the Adelaide’s Jazz Festival in 2025 with six days of accessible music programming across city venues, spaces, and streets for the community.
Writers SA – Context Festival 2025
A free writers festival at the City Libraries and Minor Works Community Centre featuring a Sister City cultural exchange.
Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music – Kaurna Song Book Revival Project
A project revitalising the cultural heritage and language of the Kaurna people offering development opportunities for First Nations musicians with live performances for city communities. The relaunched historic Kaurna Song Book will include cover artwork and design by First Nations artists.
Helpmann Academy – Music Legacy and Future Building
Delivery of a masterclass for Adelaide’s First Nations musicians by internationally acclaimed performer Jazzmeia Horn plus a major jazz event presented at the Adelaide Town Hall with additional free community performances.
In line with the City of Adelaide Strategic Plan 2024-2028 these projects will enhance our Community, our Environment, our Economy and our Places by:
- Championing Reconciliation and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture, and elevating Kaurna culture and connection to Country
- Driving social change and strengthening communities through new intercultural collaborations celebrating local stories and communities
- Supporting belonging through inclusive and welcoming creative programs that recognise diversity and enable people of all abilities living, working, and visiting the city.
- Activating city venues, spaces and the Park Lands year-round
- Elevating the city’s reputation for exceptional and unique arts and cultural experiences
- Amplifying Adelaide's designation as a UNESCO City of Music
- The total funding pool was $291,000. Seventeen proposals were received totalling $731,989.
- 76 per cent of proposals received were from City of Adelaide based organisations, businesses, and residents, demonstrating the focus of this funding program is to benefit local communities.
- 29 per cent of applications were from new applicants that have not applied for City of Adelaide funding before.
- 58 per cent of applications were from the music community looking to partner with the City of Adelaide to amplify Adelaide's UNESCO City of Music designation.
- The City of Adelaide’s investment of $291,000 supports the delivery of eight projects and represents 27 per cent of the total cost of these projects, valued at $1,059,213. Each Council dollar invested leverages three dollars of additional investment.
Apply for a partnership
Cultural Strategic Partnerships are closed.
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Through the development of its new Cultural Policy in 2024/25, Council will define its role, goals, and priorities with respect to celebrating and supporting the richness and diversity of Adelaide’s cultural landscape.
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HEADER IMAGE: Atlantic Street Band’s second line parade through Rundle Mall, Adelaide Jazz Festival, 27 April 2024. Photo: Dave Baun Photography