SA: Adelaide Festival posts another loss despite more funding

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SA: Adelaide Festival posts another loss despite more funding

The 2002 Adelaide Festival lost an estimated $370,000 -- despite $8 million in fundingfrom the state government.

Releasing preliminary figures today, artistic director SUE NATTRASS admits the controversialevent has also failed to reach its box office targets.

The shorter 10-day program's resulted in a total attendance of 241,063 -- the lowest since 1984.

This year's event received an extra $3.5 million from the state government, $2 millionin general funding and $1.5 million for a special film program.

Ms NATTRASS says the festival failed to shrug off the negative vibes from problemswell before the opening ceremony, including outrage over an advertising program featuringADOLF HITLER.

But she says the festival's national and international reputation has not been damaged.

Ms NATTRASS says steps have been put in place to cut administration costs for futurefestivals to help free up extra funds.

AAP RTV tjd/ld/rp

KEYWORD: FESTIVAL (ADELAIDE)