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Honorary doctorates for Adelaide Festival leaders

Friday, 15 March 2019

Arts luminaries Neil Armfield, Rob Brookman and Rachel Healy will be awarded honorary doctorates by the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen said: “The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide is delighted to award honorary doctorates to these three nationally recognised leaders of the arts.

“Our graduation ceremonies, while celebrating the achievements of newly awarded graduates, are also an opportunity to recognise the exceptional service of eminent ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns, particularly those who have strong connections to the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide.

“Neil Armfield, Rob Brookman and Rachel Healy have each made outstanding and sustained contributions to the arts and festival scene, which have been vital to South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥’s reputation as the Festival State, and to the economy.

“The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide has a long history of fostering the arts in South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. Our Elder Professor of Music, John Bishop, is considered a 'founding father' of the Adelaide Festival and was its first Artistic Director. In 1960, the first Festival was held at venues in and around our ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s North Terrace campus.

“Our new strategic plan establishes a clear role for the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ as an active participant in the community and as part of the ‘beating heart of Adelaide’, with creativity and culture as one of our five industry engagement priorities,’’ Professor Rathjen said.

The honorary doctorates will be presented during the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥’s graduation ceremonies in September 2019.

Neil Armfield, AO – is being awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ (honoris causa) in acknowledgement of his support, promotion and development of the arts and culture sectors across ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ in a career that has spanned over 40 years.

Mr Armfield is a director of theatre, film and opera, and has worked with many companies including the State Theatre Company of South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, Lighthouse Theatre, and Opera ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. He is Joint Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival.

Rob Brookman, AM – is being awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ (honoris causa) for leading a number of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥’s foremost arts organisations and festivals during a career spanning over four decades and for the establishment of WOMADelaide.

Mr Brookman, a ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide alumnus, is a producer and arts administrator, and has led a number of leading arts organisations and events including the Come Out Youth Festival, Adelaide Festival Centre, WOMADelaide, Sydney Theatre Company and State Theatre Company of South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. He is Executive Director of the Adelaide Festival.

Rachel Healy – is being awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ (honoris causa) for her exceptional dedication and service to the Arts in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ spanning nearly 30 years.

Ms Healy, a ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide alumnus, has worked with prestigious companies including Belvoir St Theatre and at the Sydney Opera House. She is Joint Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival.

Pictured (l-r): Neil Armfield, Rob Brookman and Rachel Healy

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