12 March 1960   Adelaide Festival of Arts

The first Adelaide Festival of Arts was opened by the Governor- General, Viscount Dunrossil, from the Sound Shell in Elder Park, on 12 March 1960. 

Plans for a festival were first mooted by Sir Lloyd Dumas and Professor John Bishop, Director of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, at the University of Adelaide, in 1958. With the sponsorship of a number of firms and individuals it was decided to proceed. Professor Bishop was appointed Artistic Director to put together a programme and oversee the organisation.

Many overseas artists were persuaded to come to Adelaide including pianist Phillippe Entremont, Viennese opera conductor Dr Karl Frankl, and Shakespearean actor Sir Donald Wolfit. Soprano Joan Hammond appeared in Salome, and there was a memorable production of T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral in Bonython Hall.

There were art exhibitions, including Dobell and Heysen, symphony concerts, chamber music and jazz by Dave Brubeck. Professor Bishop remained Artistic Director until his sudden death in December 1964. Since then a number of well known overseas professionals, as well as Australians, have held the position and the biennial Festival has become an important international event.

South Australian Year Book, 1975, p. 249.
The Advertiser, 11-12 March 1960.