The South Australian government has appointed a new board and chair for the Adelaide Festival, hours after the cancellation of the 2026 Adelaide Writers' Week and the resignation of most board members. The move follows days of turmoil after more than 180 authors and speakers withdrew in protest over the disinvitation of Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah.
Judy Potter, who chaired the Adelaide Festival Corporation board from 2016 to 2023, will lead the new board. She is joined by arts executive Rob Brookman AM, media identity Jane Doyle OAM, and business figure John Irving AM. The previous board stepped down except for the Adelaide City Council representative, whose term expires on 2 February.
South Australian Arts Minister Andrea Michaels stated: 'The Adelaide Festival is a treasured institution. It belongs to the people of South Australia, and transcends any individual. It is vital we safeguard the festival for the future.' Potter expressed her privilege to return as chair to ensure the successful delivery of the 2026 festival.
The cancellation came after festival director Louise Adler resigned over the board's decision to disinvite Abdel-Fattah. The board apologised to the author for 'how the decision was represented'. The new appointments aim to restore stability and ensure the festival proceeds under new leadership.
