Ernst and Young report finds Festival Centre Trust made a $107.8 million contribution to the economy in 2015-2016.

An Ernst and Young report has found that the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust made a $107.8 million economic contribution to the Greater Adelaide economy in 2015-2016. According to the report, this is a return of over $8 on every dollar the government invests in operating and activity funding and the Adelaide Festival Centre’s economic contribution resulted in the direct and indirect creation of 1,076 jobs in Great Adelaide.

The report also highlighted the Centre’s “significant social contribution” which includes its education programmes, and “encourages greater social cohesion in the community” – a contribution valued at $52.4 million, bringing the total estimated contribution to $160 million.

“This report confirms once again the arts’ fantastic economic return on investment,” said Jack Snelling, SA Minister for the Arts.  “As well as bringing vibrancy and entertainment to our community, the arts are responsible for creating employment and economic growth. Adelaide Festival Centre’s success is a testament to the power of the arts and arts centres.”

The Centre reported over one million attendees in 2015-2016 – including more than 500,000 ticketed attendances – who came to see a...