If you love exploring our state, then hello SA is your new bestie!
Every Sunday at 5.30pm on Channel Nine, Lauren De Cesare, Tom Rehn and I shine a spotlight on the best of South Australia. From jaw-dropping holiday destinations to hidden foodie gems, our show brings you the stories, people and places that make SA unforgettable.
And when it comes to making our city shine (literally), Illuminate Adelaide CoFounder and Creative Director Rachael Azzopardi is the mastermind behind the lights, the creativity and the spark(le).
Over a coffee at cafe Part Time Lover, we chatted about how she turns our winter nights into a wonderland of art, innovation and culture each year.
From dazzling light shows to cuttingedge pop-up events, Rachael and her Co-Founder Lee Cumberlidge are putting Adelaide on the map in the most spectacular way possible!
Here’s what she had to say about her journey, her future plans and why Illuminate Adelaide is so freaking cool…
Tom: Illuminate Adelaide is a gamechanger for the city — what inspired you and Lee to create it?
“The inspiration stemmed from a desire to bring something bold and new to Adelaide in winter. Lee and I both recognised that Adelaide, with its vibrant creative scene, had the potential to transform into a hub for cuttingedge, large-scale light and projection installations. We wanted to create a major event that didn’t just showcase art and creativity, but allowed people to experience the city in a completely different way, through art, light, technology and music. It’s about sparking curiosity, joy and a sense of wonder in the heart of the city, while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of public art experiences.”
Hayley: When you were a kid, did you ever imagine you’d one day light up an entire city?
“No way, I was too busy dreaming of becoming a member of the Johnny Young Talent Time Team!”
Lauren: What’s your favourite part about bringing Illuminate Adelaide to life every year?
“Seeing the creative vision come to fruition. There’s something special about transforming abstract ideas and concepts into tangible experiences that captivate and inspire. Each year, there’s the chance to elevate it in new ways, whether it’s through storytelling or the impact it has on the community.”
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- Rachel Azzopardi
Hayley: Adelaide has a rich art scene — how do you see Illuminate Adelaide contributing to it?
“We hope that Illuminate enhances Adelaide’s reputation as a hub for creative expression, fostering community engagement through accessible, largescale art experiences.
The festival promotes public art and cultural tourism, positioning Adelaide as a progressive, forward-thinking city in terms of both art and technology. It’s a celebration of the intersection between creativity and innovation, which helps attract talent, drive tourism and support local businesses, all while enriching Adelaide’s cultural identity.”
Lauren: What’s your vision for the future of Illuminate Adelaide? Are there any dream projects you’d love to tackle?
“There are so many projects and artists we want to work with that we have on our list. To name one is impossible. My vision for the future would build on the momentum, with a focus on making the event more immersive, interactive and community-driven, while also broadening its global reach and impact.”
As you can see, Rachael is a legend! Now, keep your eyes open for all the frivolities of this year’s Illuminate Adelaide — it’s going to be fabulous!
Website: illuminateadelaide.com.au
Instagram: @illuminateadelaide
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Images Credit :: Tyr Liang Xplorer Studio
