Solstice Media founder named as Fringe chair
The managing director of InDaily, SALIFE, CityMag and InReview will take over as chair of the southern hemisphere’s largest arts festival.
Solstice Media founder Paul Hamra has been named as chair of the Adelaide Fringe board, taking over from Kate Costello, who has been in the position for the past five years.
Hamra was officially announced as chair at the Lord Mayor’s Reception today.
The Adelaide Fringe said Hamra brings extensive experience in media publishing and governance to the role, adding that he has played an important role in supporting the Australian and South Australian arts, culture and business sectors.
Hamra is managing director of Solstice Media – the publisher of InDaily SA and Qld, SALIFE, CityMag, InReview, The New Daily, Premium Property, The Post and The Weekend Edition – which he founded in 2004.
From 2000 to 2006, Hamra was also deputy chair of The Australian Film Commission (currently Screen Australia) and he previously ran the public relations agencies, Hamra Management and Hamrahead.
You might like
InDaily SA‘s lunchtime newsletter goes out to nearly 58,000 subscribers from Monday to Friday, while CityMag lands in 39,394 inboxes every Thursday and SALIFE is South Australia’s best-selling magazine.
Meanwhile, Solstice Media’s non-profit arts platform InReview, which is sent out to more than 38,000 subscribers in South Australia, publishes Fringe and Festival reviews throughout the festival season.
Hamra said he was honoured to be appointed as chair of the Adelaide Fringe and to be its custodian.
“The Fringe is an essential part of South Australia’s identity, bringing communities together and showcasing the incredible talent of artists from around the world,” he said.
Stay informed, daily
“I look forward to working alongside the Adelaide Fringe team to continue its success and expand its reach.”
Adelaide Fringe CEO Heather Croall said she was “thrilled” to welcome Hamra to the role.
She said he has been “a longtime supporter of Fringe and the arts and understands the importance of a thriving creative sector in South Australia”.
Costello said it has been a privilege to serve as chair and congratulated Hamra on his new role.
“Over the past five years, we have seen Fringe continue to grow into a powerhouse festival that not only entertains but creates real economic and social benefits for South Australia,” she said.
“I am confident that Paul’s expertise and passion for the arts will help take Adelaide Fringe to new heights.”
The Adelaide Fringe is the largest arts festival in the southern hemisphere and in 2025 included some 1300 shows at 500 venues ranging from circus to cabaret, dance, variety, comedy, magic theatre and more.
