An international operatic tour de force, a blockbuster exhibition of European masterpieces and local companies celebrating artists with disabilities are among the finalists announced in the 13th annual Ruby Awards.
Newly revamped for 2018 with 12 prize categories, the Rubys will also pay tribute to late South Australian arts and cultural icons Uncle Stevie Goldsmith and Frank Ford AM with two new awards named in their honour. Presented by Arts South Australia, the Ruby Awards celebrate the best of South Australia’s arts and cultural sector.
Twenty-eight finalists have been announced across seven new or re-named categories: Best Festival; Best Work or Event – both within and outside a festival; Best Work, Event or Project for Young People; Best Community or Regional Event or Project; Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation or Group; and the Made in Adelaide Award for artistic and cultural achievement by a South Australian individual or organisation outside the state.
Also new for 2018 is the Stevie Gadlabarti Goldsmith Memorial Award recognising artistic and cultural achievement by a South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-focused organisation or individual, and the Frank Ford Memorial Young Achiever Award for an outstanding artist or arts worker aged under 35.
These will be announced at the event, along with a further three awards: the Geoff Crowhurst Memorial Award, recognising community cultural development, the People’s Choice Award and the Premier’s Award for Lifetime Achievement.
All finalists are in the running for the People’s Choice Award, with members of the public invited to vote for their favourite online at www.rubyawards.com.au. Voters can win prizes including Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide Festival vouchers, and tickets to the Ruby Awards gala event. Voting closes Friday 30 November 2018 – 5.00pm.
Winners in all Ruby Award categories will receive a bespoke, ruby-coloured glass work designed and made at the Jam Factory. The recipient of the prestigious Premier’s Award will also be honoured with a gold nameplate on a seat at the Festival Theatre.
This year’s judging panel comprised eight key industry and media figures: Adelaide Fringe CEO and Director Heather Croall, Adelaide Festival Co-Artistic Director Rachel Healy, South Australian Museum Director Brian Oldman, ACE Open CEO Liz Nowell, artist Gavin Wanganeen, President of Recitals Australia Mark de Raad, Channel Seven News presenter Jane Doyle and The Advertiser Arts and Entertainment Editor Jillian Attrill.
“From performers to producers, artists to administrators, companies and organisations, the Ruby Awards is the State Government’s annual celebration of the best of South Australia’s arts and cultural sector,” said Premier Steven Marshall.
“South Australia’s artists, creatives and arts and cultural organisations illuminate and enrich our lives and the high calibre of this year’s finalists once again cements our reputation as an international cultural hub and centre of artistic excellence. I congratulate all the finalists on their nominations and look forward to seeing the winners revealed in December.”
Named in honour of late arts patron Dame Ruby Litchfield, the 2018 Ruby Awards are the 13th annual celebration of South Australia’s arts and cultural sector. Winners will be announced at a gala event on Saturday 1 December at the Queen’s Theatre, Adelaide. For more information, visit: www.rubyawards.com.au for details.
Image: True North Youth Theatre Ensemble
13th Annual Ruby Awards Finalists:
Best Festival:
Adelaide Festival 2018
Adelaide Fringe 2018
SALA Festival 2017
WOMADelaide 2018
Best Work or Event Within a Festival:
Hamlet – Adelaide Festival and Glyndebourne Festival Opera (Adelaide Festival 2018)
In the Club – State Theatre Company South Australia (Adelaide Festival 2018)
Wagt al-tagheer: Time of Change – ACE Open (Adelaide Festival 2018)
Place des Anges – WOMADelaide and Gratte Ciel (Adelaide Festival 2018)
Best Work or Event Outside a Festival:
Beep – Windmill Theatre Co
Colours of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay – Art Gallery of South Australia
Impersonal Space – Company AT and Tutti Arts
On the Terrace – Chamber Music Adelaide
Best Community or Regional Event or Project:
AREA 53 – D’Faces of Youth Arts
Collectors/Collections: Waikerie Films – Waikerie District Historical Society and OSCA
Mi:Wi 3027 – Country Arts SA
SCC Fringe 2018 – Art Engineers (Julianne Pierce), Ashley Sierp and Southern Cross Care
Best Work, Event or Project for Young People:
AREA 53 – D’Faces of Youth Arts Inc.
Beep – Windmill Theatre Co
Neo – Art Gallery of South Australia
Ngarrindjeri Yanun (Aboriginal Artist Development Initiative) – Carclew Youth Arts
Made in Adelaide Award:
Baba Yaga – Windmill Theatre Co
Backbone / A Simple Space – Gravity & Other Myths
Intimate Space at Bleach* Festival (Commonwealth Games 2018) – Restless Dance Theatre
Things I Know to be True – State Theatre Company South Australia
Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation or Group:
ActNow Theatre
Stormfront Productions
True North Youth Theatre Ensemble
Vitalstatistix
The following awards have no shortlist and will be announced on the night:
Stevie Gadlabarti Goldsmith Memorial Award
Frank Ford Memorial Young Achiever Award
Geoff Crowhurst Memorial Award
People’s Choice Award
Premier’s Award for Lifetime Achievement