Previous Ruby Award winners

Best new work or event
Ikara—the meeting place

In a landscape reaching back a billion years, one of South Australia’s newest artworks tells a story 40,000 years in the making.
Old Wilpena Station is an area of significance for the Adnyamathanha people who played an important role in the region’s pastoral history.

Sculptor Tony Rosella’s work has been described as a fusion of sculpture, landscape and sense of place. Working with the Adnyamathanha community he created a symbolic landmark that blends seamlessly with the environment and inspires interaction and wonder. The project was funded and supported by Department of Environment and Heritage.

Community impact (under $100,000)
South Australian history week 2007

For the History Trust of South Australia bringing the past into the present was an exercise in large scale community-building.

More than 45,000 people attended one or more of the 240 events, almost 200 organisations participated and about 1600 volunteers made it happen.

Offering new historical perspectives, raising awareness of local collections and supporting activism on heritage issues, South Australian history week led legions of history buffs on a trip back in time.
www.history.sa.gov.au

Community impact (over $100,000)
Bundaleer forest weekend

Maybe it’s the setting —a natural amphitheatre beneath a canopy of 130 year old trees that leads to superlatives like magical, inspirational and unforgettable.

Or maybe it’s how country and city people come together through fine music and art. Whatever the reason, Bundaleer forest weekend is regional South Australia’s largest arts event. In 2007 it drew 6000 visitors, achieved record box office sales and featured 300 artists and musicians.

Presented by Belalie Arts Society with Arts SA, Country Arts SA, SA Tourism Commission and ForestrySA.
www.bundaleerweekend.com.au

Innovation
Electro acoustic project

Innovation and experimentation were the hallmarks of Zephyr Quartet’s Electro acoustic project which played to a capacity audience in 2006.

With a reputation for dismantling preconceptions and dedicated to bringing new audiences to the artform, Zephyr Quartet never compromises on exceptional artistic quality and expression.

For this project, Zephyr Quartet commissioned new works by young artists from different musical fields to extend the traditional string quartet medium with non-traditional forms and repertoire.
www.zephyrquartet.com

Leadership in arts enterprise
Fringe benefits

This enterprise brings young people to the arts - and vice versa -
by offering members affordable tickets to theatre, visual arts, festivals, concerts and gigs. Website, email, SMS and cutting edge wireless communication offer 24/7 coverage.

Targeting 18 to 30 year olds, Fringe benefits opens new markets for organisations.

Since 2006 it has attracted 4400 members, generated 5000 ticket sales and developed partnerships with key business retailers locally and nationally.

Fringe benefits keeps the spirit of the Adelaide Fringe alive throughout the year.
www.fringebenefits.com.au

Sustained contribution
Leigh Warren

Leigh Warren’s career in South Australia spans two remarkable decades.

Remarkable for his originality, innovation and vision which has been an influential force in contemporary Australian dance.

Under his direction, Leigh Warren and Dancers are never afraid to soar.

Leigh’s contribution is best expressed through his iconic and award winning works that have challenged dancers, captivated audiences and elevated contemporary dance in Australia.
www.lwd.com.au

Sustained contribution (cultural institutions, projects and events)
State Theatre Company of South Australia

For over 35 years, State Theatre Company of South Australia has been a hot bed of creativity.

The company delivers ground breaking new theatre and is recognised for creating career development opportunities, community access initiatives and for its outstanding production values.

State Theatre Company of South Australia has sustained our artists, nourished our hearts and minds and remained at the forefront of our cultural landscape.
www.statetheatrecompany.com.au

Premier's Lifetime Acheivement Award
Anthony Steel AM

How do you sum up a lifetime of achievement?
You can start with words like self-discipline, focus, courage, creativity and brilliance – qualities Anthony Steel has brought to the arts in equal measure.

Anthony Steel is a most revered festival director – he has directed more major international arts festivals than anyone in Australia.

He was integral in establishing the Adelaide Festival of Arts as one of the world’s most prestigious events.

Anthony Steel permanently raised the bar for festivals in this country and remains a key figure in the arts scene.

His impact has been far-reaching, enduring and profound.