Ruth Mackenzie has had a busy week. Just four days into her new engagement as Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival, she has already announced next year’s program along with new Chief Executive Kath M Mainland. The 2023 program was initiated by former Joint Artistic Directors Rachel Healy and Neil Armfield, and together with Mainland, Mackenzie will present the program before curating the 2024–2026 Festivals. She talks to Limelight about some of the 2023 highlights, the future of arts practice, and the power of choirs and young people.

Ruth Mackenzie. Photo © Andrew Beveridge

Over 17 days beginning on Friday 3 March next year, the 38th Adelaide Festival will present a total of 52 events in theatre, music, opera, dance, media and visual arts, including major festivals-within-the-festival Adelaide Writers’ Week, UKARIA Chamber Landscapes and WOMADelaide, as well as an exclusive exhibition of Andy Warhol’s photography at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

After six hugely successful Festivals curated by Artistic Directors Rachel Healy and Neil Armfield, next year’s festival represents...