Media Release

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Recognising the importance of diversity in the arts and across the wider community, BankSA has been announced the principal partner of South Australia’s largest and internationally-renowned queer arts event, FEAST.

Now in its 19th year, FEAST has grown to become the state’s largest LGBTI-curated festival and held over two weeks, it attracts performers and visitors from all over the world.

The bank’s support will help grow and bring the event, which features cabaret, dance, theatre, comedy and a food festival to a wider audience.

Matt Janssen, Head of Home Lending and LGBTI Ambassador for BankSA, said the bank is excited to be associated with an event that promotes diversity acceptance in the community.

“South Australia leads the way when it comes to equality and acceptance,” Mr Janssen said. “Ours was the first state to grant women the right to vote, the first to allow women to stand for parliament, and the first state in Australia to decriminalise homosexuality.”

“We believe that the best way South Australia can glean different ideas, thrive and accelerate our state forward is by being inclusive and celebrating diversity, in all its forms.

“And it’s for this reason that we’re delighted to come on board as principal partner to FEAST, and get behind an event that contributes to the social and cultural vibrancy of this state.”

This year’s FEAST festival will be staged across 15 days in November and once again will provide an unprecedented opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their artistic talents.

“As South Australia’s bank, we’re of the strong view that diversity, and celebrating diversity, is important in keeping communities vibrant and healthy,” Mr Janssen said.

“And FEAST, an international festival that attracts performers from near and far, truly encapsulates the spirit of our vibrant lesbian and gay community.”