Longstanding Adelaide arts leader to step down
The head of one of Adelaide’s major arts organisations has announced his retirement.
Adelaide Festival Centre Trust CEO and artistic director Douglas Gautier AM announced his retirement this morning, after almost 19 years in the role.
Gautier will step down in the second half of 2025, with the organisation’s Board of Trustees to initiate an international search for his successor “in coming months”.
Gautier took on the position of CEO and artistic director in 2006 and initiated a ‘program-led’ revival of the Adelaide Festival Centre, securing major productions such as Disney’s debut of the stage musical of Aladdin.
Other actions during his tenure included the redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre and the introduction of acclaimed festivals like OzAsia, Adelaide Cabaret Festival and DreamBIG Children’s Festival.
First Nations programming, including OUR MOB, was another achievement.
The Adelaide Festival Centre yesterday revealed the $164 million economic impact of its bumper 50th year, plus attendances of more than one million to celebrate the half-century milestone.
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“It has been a privilege to lead a team of creative and passionate people at Adelaide Festival Centre and watch the venues and sector flourish over almost two decades,” Gautier said today.
“I am proud of all we’ve achieved as a team over the years and the challenges we’ve overcome,” he said.
“As the heart of the arts in South Australia we believe in the creative spirit, social benefits and economic impact of the arts, and we want to ensure that continues to reach far and wide into the future.
“There is still work to be done and I’m energised and excited about the future of Adelaide Festival Centre and the fantastic lineup of shows and festivals we have coming next year.”
Adelaide Festival Centre Trust chair Karlene Maywald acknowledged the outgoing Gautier’s contribution to the venue and the wider arts community in South Australia.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate Douglas on his stellar career with Adelaide Festival Centre,” she said.
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“South Australia has been very fortunate to have such a passionate and capable hand at the tiller for so many years. We are grateful that Douglas has agreed to extend his current contract into next year to assist in a smooth transition to a new CEO particularly during the lead up to Adelaide Festival Centre’s redevelopment work in the second half of next year.
“We will be looking to celebrate Douglas’ contribution to the arts locally, nationally and internationally closer to his retirement.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas also thanked Gautier for his leadership in the state’s arts sector.
“My government thanks Douglas for his unswerving commitment to bringing world class shows to Adelaide and for delivering festivals that inspire and connect us,” he said.
“His legacy will be felt for generations, and we wish Douglas all the best for his well-deserved retirement.”
The announcement caps off a stellar career for Gautier who began his work in SA arts organisations at the State Theatre of South Australia.
He also worked at the BBC as a music and arts producer in 1977, was head of Radio Television Hong Kong’s music and arts channel in 1979, head of concert music planning for the ABC in 1986, and director of corporate affairs at STAR Television in Hong Kong.
In 1997 he was appointed deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Tourist Board, and took on the role of executive director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival in 2002.
While at the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust, Gautier helped drive Adelaide’s bid to become a UNESCO city of music in 2015.
He also serves on the Flinders University Council, is chairman of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres Executive Council, and is on numerous boards such as the Australia-Singapore Arts Group, the Global Cultural Districts Network Advisory Board, the Adelaide UNESCO City of Music Board, the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations Advisory Board and the American Chamber of Commerce Council of Governors.
In 2016 he was awarded an order of Australia for service to the arts, community and the tertiary sector.
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