Last year our city had a major debate about the fate of one of cultural institutions- the Crown and Anchor Hotel ("the Cranker"). Home of live music and $3 schooners on a Wednesday night, a proposed development would have seen all but the front walls of the Cranker razed, and replaced with student housing.
A massive grassroots movement made it clear that people wanted to save the Cranker, and in the end, the Premier "did a deal" to reach a compromise development, where the Cranker can continue as it always has.
But now with much of the debate about the Cranker behind us, it's time to look beyond, and think about the broader lessons that this experience has taught us about the role of live music, cultural heritage (or perhaps that should be culture and heritage) in our city, and how our planning and development systems manage that.
If the Premier has to "do a deal" and write a one-off law for a specific situation, does that suggest that there is a broader fault in the system? If so, what is it and how do we address it?
In this two-part event in the Cranker band room, we'll hear from a panel of experts. Then, breaking off into smaller groups, we'll discuss key takeaways from the panel; how can we move forward to strengthen our systems and policies to ensure we can better balance development, while keeping our city's heartbeat?
Panellists:
Sam Whiting
Sam is a Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. His research is primarily focused on issues of capital, labour, and value as they relate to the creative industries and the cultural economy.
He is the author of the book, Small Venues: Precarity, Vibrancy and Live Music (2023) which focusses on small music venues as grassroots spaces of cultural labour and production that often struggle with issues of financial precarity yet are fundamental to the live music ecology of a city, acting both as platforms for emergent performers and spaces of sociality for local music scenes.
Sam has also previously served as a member of the Arts Industry Council of South Australia’s executive and an elected councillor for the City of West Torrens.
James Atkinson
James is an industry-leading economist and planner who heads up URPS’ Economics team. His qualifications in economics, finance and urban planning give him a unique perspective on what makes cities and regions tick.
James is highly skilled in economic appraisals, land-use forecasting and other economic modelling. This valuable skillset has seen him work throughout Australia for both private sector clients and all tiers of government.
Applying economic rigour to strategic land-use planning and property investment decisions, James knows the power that such analysis has in delivering opportunity, prosperity and liveability.
Patrick Maher
Patrick is the Director of Strategy with the Save the Cranker organisation, working between volunteers and Government to ensure the longevity of this iconic venue. Patrick was intimately involved at all stages of the campaign, working both behind the scenes and as a spokesperson for the campaign to build support not just for the Cranker, but live music venues across our city.
He holds post-grad qualifications in music education and law, has careers in music and the public service, and was recently recognised with the rest of the campaign oversight board with the City Of Adelaide's Citizen Of The Year 2025 Award for Active Citizenship.
Save The Cranker is transitioning into Music Culture Adelaide, to continue to represent the broader community to secure and promote our living, breathing, cultural activities and spaces in the city.
Michael is the Principal Heritage Architect at Heritage SA and has over 35 years of experience in heritage conservation in South Australia, encompassing heritage assessment, conservation of buildings and the design of contemporary buildings within historic contexts. As Principal Heritage Architect, Michael is responsible for heritage policy and advocacy. He also leads professional heritage advice in relation to the development of heritage places.
Michael holds a Master in Cultural Heritage (Deakin) is a Visiting Fellow in the University of Adelaide School of Architecture, is Chair of the Australian Institute of Architects Heritage Committee and has been past Vice-President of Australia ICOMOS.
Moderated by Reb Rowe- UFX Board Member
Event Details
Where: Crown and Anchor Hotel | 196 Grenfell St, Adelaide
When: Tuesday 25th February- 5:30pm-7:30pm
RSVP: Eventbrite
UFX Members Free
Non-Members $10