Illuminate Adelaide generates record-breaking economic boost for South Australia

Recently released data for South Australia’s ‘Illuminate Adelaide’ showed the state’s newest major winter event generated $54.3 million in economic activity for the state – making it a new record-high for the event in its third year.

More than 1.3 million attendances were recorded across the free and ticketed events, with more than 15,000 interstate and overseas visitors contributing to nearly 66,000 of those attendances.

The month-long celebration of art, light, music and technology generated nearly 34,000 visitor nights and more than 4,000 employment opportunities.

The new figures come as Illuminate Adelaide takes to the world stage, with event organisers and partners invited to a famous light festival and an international tourism conference to spruik the South Australian major event.

Illuminate Adelaide co-founder and creative director Rachael Azzopardi has been invited to attend the world-renowned Fête des Lumières in Lyon in December, known as one of the best and biggest light festivals in the world, and will connect with creative directors from other light-based festivals around the world and meet international artists.

Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge, Co-Founders and Creative Directors, Illuminate Adelaide shared “to receive such a massive response from the public is incredible given it’s only Illuminate Adelaide’s third year.

“Since our inception in 2021, we’ve strived to create an impact in South Australia throughout winter and draw people out of their homes and into the city’s streets and venues. To see the economic impact that this major event has on South Australia is thrilling, and we’re so proud to host an event for all people to enjoy, no matter which part of the world they come from.

“We’re excited to reveal our 2024 program next year and are exceptionally grateful to our major partner, the State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission for their commitment and support. We can’t wait welcome back people from all walks of life to Adelaide’s streets.”

Adelaide Botanic Gardens Chief Executive Michael Harvey attended the International Garden Tourism Conference in Canada earlier this month on behalf of Illuminate Adelaide and Adelaide Botanic Gardens, to present and talk about the delivery and success of Resonate and Light Cycles by Moment Factory to conference delegates from across the globe.

Highlights from the Illuminate Adelaide 2023 economic impact report, prepared by Professor Barry Burgan from Bond University:

• $54.3 million economic activity generated for the South Australian economy

• 1.3 million attendances including free and ticketed events

• 15,079 interstate and overseas ticketed visitors, contributing to 65,994 attendances

• 33,727 visitor nights generated

• 91% of attendees visited the Adelaide CBD specifically to attend Illuminate Adelaide

• 4,176 employment opportunities generated, equivalent to 348 full-time jobs

• 304 artists presented with 68 new commissions from local and overseas technology and creative industries.

In 2023, a regional installation of Illuminate Adelaide helped drive tourism recovery for flood-affected communities. Supported by the State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission, in partnership with the Mid-Murray Council and award-winning artists, River Lights was held in Mannum for 10 days in August.

More than 20,000 people attended River Lights which spanned the riverfront and six locations including Pretoria Hotel, Mannum Hotel, and Mannum Club.

Illuminate Adelaide is supported by the State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Image. Illuminate Adelaide 2023  'Light Creatures' Adelaide Zoo