History
For a full history of WOMADelaide, view the WOMADelaide Archives
WOMADelaide: A Cultural Journey
Image: Peter Gabriel performing at WOMADelaide 1993
Held on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People, WOMADelaide – from the World Of Music Arts & Dance – WOMAD and the name of the host city of Adelaide / Tarntanya, is an iconic open-air festival celebrating cultural discovery in the heart of the city’s stunning Botanic Park / Tainmuntilla.
Beginning in 1992 as a brilliant experiment and daring programming initiative of the Adelaide Festival, following an approach by the organisers to the WOMAD organisation in the UK, WOMADelaide took on an independent life of its own in 1993.
WOMAD was co-founded in 1982 in England by Grammy-winning musician Peter Gabriel. “Music is a universal language,” said Gabriel early on. “It draws people together and proves, as well anything, the stupidity of racism.”
Initially staged biennially from 1993, in alternate years to the then-biennial Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide moved to an annual cycle from 2004, a move which encouraged the Adelaide Fringe and then the Adelaide Festival to become annual events, with WOMADelaide expanding to become a four-day event from 2010, with The Planet Talks program of environmental discussion forums, added in 2013.
Over its 30+ year history the festival has become a unique part of the Australian festival landscape. Showcasing the best, the essential – and the surprising – in music, arts, dance and ideas from around the world, from large scale site performance installations to exceptional performances by international and national artists in the stunning surrounds of Botanic Park / Tainmuntilla, WOMADelaide is a testament to the power of music, art, and multiculturalism.