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© 2055 Pride Adelaide
Frank Ford AM
2025
Frank Ford AM was a visionary, mentor, educator, and fearless pioneer whose impact on South Australia’s arts and LGBTQIA+ communities is profound and enduring. Born and raised in The Rocks, Sydney, his creative journey began with a scholarship to Teachers College, launching a life devoted to teaching, performing, and championing the arts.
His time abroad—in Frankfurt, London, Beirut, Rio de Janeiro, and New York—shaped his belief in storytelling as a force for cultural change. Returning to Australia in 1974, Frank joined Adelaide’s rising cultural movement, championed new Australian drama, united local theatre groups, and inspired generations through his work at the Adelaide College of Advanced Education.
As the inaugural Chair of the Adelaide Fringe, Frank passionately advocated for it as an “open platform for the arts,” earning the affectionate title, Father of the Fringe. He didn’t just create spaces for performance—he created cultures of boldness, pride, and encouragement.
Frank’s influence stretched across the state. He founded the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, served on numerous arts boards, and championed inclusion at every turn. Honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1999, and with the Premier’s Lifetime Achievement Award, his contributions shaped generations of artists and communities alike. Though he is no longer with us, Frank’s spirit endures—in every artist who dreams, in every bold story told, and in every glittering moment of pride. His 40-year partnership with his partner Sam, built on laughter, wisdom, and kindness, reflects a life lived with courage and heart.
Frank Ford AM was, and always will be, a champion, a visionary, and a beloved architect of pride.
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