Olivia Power

Olivia Power
She/Her
Philanthropy Manager, Adelaide Festival Centre

My journey through the arts and culture sector has been shaped by a lifelong passion for creativity and community. My professional career began with an Arts Administration Traineeship at the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, facilitated by Carclew. I completed a Master of Management specialising in Arts and Cultural Management at UniSA in 2014. 

Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of organisations, including Radio Adelaide, Arts Projects Australia, Adelaide Fringe, Mercury CX, Vitalstatistix, the Don Dunstan Foundation, Helpmann Academy, Guildhouse and now, Adelaide Festival Centre in the role of Philanthropy Manager. These roles have exposed me to various aspects of the arts sector, from marketing, and events and to programming, to stakeholder engagement and fundraising.

While each experience has offered unique challenges and rewards, I’ve found particular fulfillment in philanthropy. The opportunity to work with donors to support artists and enable initiatives that enrich our community is incredibly rewarding. I’m drawn to the collaborative nature of this work and the ability to connect with individuals who share my passion for the arts.

Reflecting on my career, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, resilience, integrity, and a strong work ethic. The ability to build meaningful connections and authentic relationships with colleagues, artists, and donors stakeholders has also been essential to my successdevelopment. I’ve always believed that there’s no substitute for enthusiasm, which is something I aim to encourage in others through my own example. Skills can be learnt, but passion, enthusiasm, and initiative are attributes that must be cultivated. I’ve also learnt the importance of building a shared vision and recognising that success is always a team achievement.

I truly believe in the power of creativity the arts to foster understanding, create meaningful change, connect communities, and inspire awe and wonder. It’s this belief that motivates me to be a driving force in creating spaces and opportunities where artistic expression and participation is not only encouraged but also efficiently supported and celebrated.

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This article is part of the Festival & Event Industry Career Profiles series, a collection highlighting the diverse stories of Adelaide’s finest festival professionals. 

Photography by: Jack Fenby