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A Brief History of the IAF

The IAF in its current form was established in 1991 and is based in Adelaide. To download a pdf of current IAF Board members, click here. To see IAF publications, click here. The IAF has a proud history and has evolved from the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust (AETT). The (AETT) commenced in 1954 to commemorate the first visit of Queen Elizabeth to Australia and it became one of Australia’s premier national arts organizations. The Trust had been responsible for creating amongst others, major Arts bodies –
  • Australia Opera
  • Australia Ballet
  • Theatre of the Deaf
  • Bell Shakespeare Company
  • and two of our State Orchestras
During the 70s and 80s, the South Australian Branch Committee raised money from many varied events for a variety of AETT projects, including Playwright Awards and workshops of new plays. There was lots of fun and lots of garden parties with pink umbrellas and pink balloons, requiring a lot of time and effort for many people to organise. From about 1989 until 1991, the national body of AETT experienced troubled times and lost its funding, but recovered two years later. After a vote, the South Australian branch members decided to be independent of the national body. Hence the Independent Arts Foundation (IAF) was formed and launched at Greenaway Gallery in November 1991 with over 400 people attending. It was established as a non-profit organisation supporting the Arts in all its forms. In general, the IAF encourages young South Australian artists to develop their talent in SA, Australia and overseas. When launched, there were four Committees covering most of the arts including: the IAF Literary Club, the Film Club, the Performing Arts Committee, and the Special Events Committee. The Mid North Film Club was formed in 2007 but separated from the IAF in December 2019 to concentrate on raising funds for its own community. During its association with the IAF, the Mid North Film Club organised the SALA (SA Living Artists Festival) in the region. Today, there is just one Board. The IAF is now seeking corporate sponsors to enable the creation of new grants under their company name and logo in the support of young and emerging arts in South Australia to be administered by the IAF. Our ABN is 34 502 364 947 and we are listed on the Register of Cultural Organisations (RoCO) which allows us to receive tax deductible donations.