For a city of our size, one so connected to the ARTS, to have no specific, dedicated CONCERT Hall for such an exceptional ASO http://www.aso.com.au is more than regrettable, it is a slur on our priorities, our sense of self. Sure, the Adelaide Town Hall and the Festival Theatre have great attributes BUT, not only are they not always available, they are both ‘make do’, and that’s just not good enough.
I worked with a past CEO for several years on culture and strategy and have some knowledge of the orchestra, a sense of their passion, their commitment to their craft AND YET, we ask them to be transients! No home, just where ever they can eke out an existence – find a place to practice – for a time that suits someone else’s schedule.
Sure the Grainger Studio has some merits https://www.aso.com.au/your-visit/what-to-expect/grainger-studio/ some merits, is largely available to fulfil some of the orchestras (and support people who work so hard to keep the ball bouncing) needs BUT is again, something introduced as a temporary measure – having no home! Almost as if, once the ABC changed it’s funding policies (or the government did) when Arts priorities were fiscally adjusted, served the purpose of some sort of visible support.
I feel aggrieved as a citizen of Adelaide that there is not a dedicated Concert Hall for the ASO to be able to call home. I think we are the only state without such a facility. We have significant representation of aboriginal culture including arts –
Key Aboriginal Cultural Sites in/near Adelaide:
- Yitpi Yartapuultiku (Port Adelaide): A newly developed $35.2 million facility featuring a 2,100 sqm building, offering guided experiences, educational programs, and a retail space for authentic products.
- Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute (City): Located on Grenfell Street, this is the oldest Aboriginal-owned and run cultural centre in Australia, specializing in visual art, performance, and storytelling, with planned upgrades.
- Kauwi Interpretive Centre (Near Adelaide): Located at the Adelaide Desalination Plant, this centre focuses on education about water management and environmental connections.
BUT, there is nothing permeant for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra!
Back then I spoke to that CEO/GM and several government ministers about using the old RAH site next to the Botanic Gardens for the purpose of a Concert Hall and even then the concept of the Tarrkarri Centre, filled the Media and hence government minds..
It would seem to me if the purpose of Tarrkarri is to engage with the public on aboriginal heritage, yet another one, having a second reason to attend the new centre would be useful; siting the ASO inside that centre, using the halls and Terraces to further enlighten us with the offerings of the Tarrkarri Centre*, it providing access to aboriginal history, whilst allowing us to ‘bath in the beauty’ of what the ASO delivers – time and time again – that would be ideal; recognising the skills and commitment the ASO professional deliver.
Considering the access to public transport and the land, it would be a travesty if this opportunity wasn’t rectified! What can you do – contact your local member, your federal member, interact with the ASO Board, give them confidence to pursue what is rightfully the rights of the proven ASO – THEIR OWN SPACE.
This opportunity will not come along again – where else could this be built – the Gas works at Brompton, enough space, not bad transport, BUT – a Concert Hall needs prestige – the cultural strip of North terrace is perfect.
Lets’ not sit around but let us put some push into this. On another note, we wanted elephants at the Zoo (a zoo and no elephants – really) and after sooo long, we got them, a little herd! We can do it if we just don’t sit around and let opportunity past us by! Come on arts community, Adelaide community, so many people have not been exposed to the beauty the ASO delivers, let’s rectify that.
Rex Buckingham Principal
LeadershipThinking.Academy
0407827173
I would be pleased to contribute my time and business experience to any effort so directed.
*The proposed Aboriginal interpretive centre on North Terrace, named
Tarrkarri – Centre for First Nations Cultures, is a major, currently stalled, $200 million+ project intended to showcase 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture. Located at the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site within the Lot Fourteen innovation precinct, the project aims to combine traditional storytelling with modern technology. Such an additional commitment to an already serviced need.