Adelaide City of Music (ACOM) is pleased to announce the formation of its new Artist Advisory Committee (AAC), bringing together a diverse group of South Australian artists to help shape the future of the state’s music culture.
The Committee has been established to support ACOM in delivering its vision of a global city with music as its heartbeat, providing independent advice, insight and advocacy that reflects the depth and diversity of South Australia’s music community.
Selected by the ACOM Board from a strong field of applicants, the 2026 Committee represents a broad cross-section of the industry, spanning performance, composition, education, touring, artist development, community engagement and international collaboration.
The Artist Advisory Committee plays an important role in connecting ACOM’s strategic direction with the lived experience of artists. Members will support the development of programs and initiatives, advocate on behalf of artists, and act as ambassadors for Adelaide’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music.
Through meetings and ongoing engagement, the Committee will help ensure ACOM’s work continues to reflect and support the evolving needs of the music community, while strengthening pathways for South Australian artists both locally and internationally.
Introducing the 2026 Artist Advisory Committee
The newly appointed Committee includes:
- Kultar Ahluwalia – Hip hop artist, Nexus Arts Interplay alumni and emerging leader in artist development and mentorship
- Celia Craig – Internationally recognised oboist, curator and educator with a career spanning orchestral performance, recording and interdisciplinary practice
- Stephen King – Chamber musician and Senior Lecturer at the Elder Conservatorium, former member of the Australian String Quartet and Australian Chamber Orchestra
- Stu Day – Accomplished musician with decades of experience across the local, national, and international live music landscapes
- Chi Thapa – Musician and Director of World Music SA, championing multicultural collaboration and global music practices
- Adam Blesing – Award-winning musician, artist manager and event curator with extensive experience across festivals, touring and community music
- Dale Taylor – Musician, sound engineer, educator and long-standing contributor to youth music development initiatives
- Kevin van der Zwaag – ARIA-nominated musician, marketing strategist and arts professional with extensive experience across festivals, touring and international markets
They are joined by returning members:
- Anne Weiberg – DJ, event organiser and former Chair of MusicSA
- Nancy Bates – First Nations artist, songwriter and community leader
- Nick O’Connor – Arts professional and advocate with experience across youth music and community programs
Building on Experience, Looking to the Future
Collectively, the Committee brings a wealth of experience across the full music ecosystem. From grassroots community initiatives and regional touring to international performance, education, and cross-sector collaboration, members offer a broad perspective on both the opportunities and challenges facing artists today.
This breadth of insight is central to the Committee’s purpose. As the music industry continues to evolve, the need for strong connections between artists, organisations and global networks has never been more important. The AAC provides a platform for those conversations, ensuring South Australian voices remain at the centre of that evolution.
As part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Adelaide’s role as a City of Music extends beyond performance. It is about fostering collaboration, supporting sustainable creative careers, and building meaningful connections between local and international communities.
The Artist Advisory Committee will play a key role in advancing this work, helping to strengthen ACOM’s programs and ensuring they continue to create real opportunities for artists to grow, connect and thrive.