Since our audience discovered our first event one misty morning in 1999, The Adelaide Festival of Ideas has forged the path for ideas festivals in Australia and internationally. Our purpose is to celebrate the life of the mind, particularly the public value of ideas, thinking and innovation as foundations of civil society, an informed democracy and a robust economy. While we may be in semi-hibernation as a festival, our Association partners with simpatico public entities to present once-off events that uphold the values of a civil democratic society