The Adelaide Festival is facing a significant governance crisis following the resignation of three board members. The departures come in the wake of a legal notice served by prominent author and lawyer Randa Abdel-Fattah, related to the controversial cancellation of her scheduled event.
Legal Notice Sparks Boardroom Exodus
The resignations of board members Dr. Kristin Alford, Liza Kappelle, and Tim O’Loughlin were confirmed in a statement released on Saturday. While the festival's announcement did not explicitly link the departures to the ongoing dispute, the timing strongly suggests a connection. The trio stepped down just days after Ms. Abdel-Fattah's legal representatives sent a concerns notice to the festival's board and its artistic director, Ruth Mackenzie.
The core of the conflict stems from the festival's last-minute decision to cancel an event titled 'Voices of Peace,' which was to feature Abdel-Fattah alongside Palestinian writer Susan Abulhawa. The cancellation, which occurred in October, was attributed by the festival to concerns about the safety of artists, staff, and audiences. However, this explanation has been fiercely contested.
Allegations of Defamation and Censorship
In her legal notice, Randa Abdel-Fattah alleges that statements made by the festival following the cancellation defamed her. The notice specifically targets implications that she posed a security risk or was associated with violence. Abdel-Fattah, a multi-award-winning author and human rights advocate, has publicly described the festival's actions as a form of censorship and a damaging attack on her character.
The legal document demands a retraction, an apology, and damages. It argues that the festival's public comments falsely portrayed Abdel-Fattah as someone whose presence could incite violence or threaten safety, causing serious harm to her professional and personal reputation.
The festival has stood by its original decision, reiterating that the cancellation was a safety-led judgement call made in the complex context of the current geopolitical climate. Artistic Director Ruth Mackenzie has previously stated the decision was "incredibly difficult" but necessary.
Governance and Future Implications
The loss of three board members in a single day represents a major shake-up for the festival's leadership. Dr. Kristin Alford and Liza Kappelle had both served on the board since 2022, while Tim O’Loughlin was a more recent appointment. Their resignations leave notable gaps in the board's expertise and governance structure.
The festival's statement thanked the departing members for their contributions but did not announce any immediate plans for replacements. This internal turmoil raises questions about the festival's direction and its handling of politically sensitive programming. Cultural commentators are watching closely to see how the organisation navigates the dual challenges of the legal threat and restoring confidence in its leadership.
The situation underscores the intense pressures facing cultural institutions when programming events related to contentious global issues. The outcome of this dispute could set a significant precedent for how festivals in Australia and beyond balance risk management, artistic freedom, and public discourse.
As the legal process initiated by Abdel-Fattah's notice unfolds, the Adelaide Festival must now stabilise its governance while preparing a formal response to the serious allegations levied against it. The cultural community awaits further developments, with many advocating for a transparent and principled resolution.
