Marjorie Fitz-Gerald OAM

Marjorie Fitz-Gerald, arts advocate and patron, was instrumental in the establishment of Carclew Youth Performing Arts Centre. Purchased by the City of Adelaide in 1965, the former private house was first considered as the site of a large festival hall.

Fitz-Gerald’s vision and lobbying efforts were realised in 1971 when then Premier of South Australia, Don Dunstan, announced that Carclew House would become a dedicated centre for outstanding creative activities for young people. Chair of the Adelaide Fringe from 1982-1986 and board member of the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust from 1983-1993, she later chaired the Country Arts Trust and undertook fundraising work for the Independent Arts Foundation.

Recent philanthropic efforts include membership of the board of the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation from 2007-2017. With more than 50 years dedicated service to the arts and creative industries, Fitzgerald is the current patron of Carclew, whose foundation board she joined in 1976.

Celebrating 125 years of women's suffrage in South Australia.

Image: InDaily. Photo by Claudio Raschella