Learn from Douglas Gautier: “The business of entertainment and Australian arts culture”

On Tuesday the 16th of June, the Australian Institute of Business hosted an Alumni & Student Event at the iconic Adelaide Festival Centre, located on the banks of the River Torrens. AIB welcomed over 280 guests including graduates, current students, industry guests and staff members to the event. The evening featured a fascinating keynote presentation from Douglas Gautier and a spectacular cabaret performance from renowned cabaret singer Ali McGregor.

Our host for the evening was AIB Academic Director, Professor Angele Cavaye, who shared some of AIB’s recent updates, introduced Douglas and welcomed our guests to the highly anticipated event.

As the CEO and Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival Centre, Douglas has had a long and successful career in the arts industry, including leadership roles across Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom, where he has integrated various key cultural initiatives. His program-led rejuvenation of the Adelaide Festival Centre has allowed the centre to encourage the evolution of arts in Adelaide, creating multi-faceted festival programs and increasing audience engagement.

Throughout Douglas’ presentation, he spoke about the newly transformed arts culture in South Australia and how the Adelaide Festival Centre, as a thriving business, has and will continue to foster this.

Since Douglas’ appointment as CEO at the Adelaide Festival Centre in 2006, he has significantly altered the profitability of the arts and festival industry in South Australia and the important role it plays in the community through cultural and social inclusion.

Following this, guests were treated to a mesmerising vocal performance from cabaret entertainer Ali McGregor, who has been performing as a part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival this month.

At the conclusion of the performance, guests were invited into the Banquet Room foyer, where they had the chance to network and reconnect over canapes and drinks.

One attendee took to Social Media to share her enjoyment of the night: ‘Ali has an incredible vocal range! Great advice and tips on business strategy. Great event!’

Photos from the event can be found on the Australian Institute of Business Facebook page here.