ILA is Adelaide’s home for immersive art, entertainment, and creative experiences — a space where technology, storytelling, performance, and hospitality come together to create memorable shared moments. Located in the heart of the city, ILA brings artists, audiences, and collaborators together through innovative programming that pushes creative boundaries and explores new ways of experiencing art.
Behind ILA is a dedicated team and board whose collective expertise spans the arts, technology, events, hospitality, and cultural leadership. Together, they guide the vision, growth, and day-to-day delivery of a dynamic venue that continues to evolve as a hub for immersive culture in Adelaide.
Sophie Dunstone is a passionate philanthropist and in 2020 co-founded ILA, a not-for-profit social enterprise that creates opportunities for artists through the support of its events, hospitality and immersive technologies.
As a Clinical Psychologist, throughout the last 20 years Sophie has worked across both the public and private system in Australia, The UK and Hong Kong. Her career is a testament to her interest in looking after people and understanding how to support and help them.
In addition to her contributions to ILA, she is an inaugural donor for the Community Scholarship at Pembroke School and alongside her husband Nick, established a fund to support the education of underprivileged children.
In 2021 Sophie and Nick Dunstone were recognised with the Creative Partnerships Australia Emerging Philanthropy Leadership Award. Following this accolade she was appointed as the Director of the Creative Partnerships Australia Board prior to its merging with Creative Australia. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for people and supporting the growth of artistic communities whilst being a devoted mother to four children.
Nicholas Dunstone co-founded and established ILA (formerly known as Light ADL) alongside his wife Sophie Dunstone in 2020. With a multifaceted career as a business leader, philanthropist, and lawyer, Nicholas brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has spent over 25 years as a corporate restructuring specialist, offering his expertise globally. Currently, he is the Asia head of restructuring for the renowned global law firm, Milbank, based in Singapore.
His professional journey is marked by extensive experience as a board member in various industries, showcasing his versatile leadership and strategic skills. Raised in Adelaide, Nicholas holds a deep-seated passion for supporting the arts and the community in South Australia which is evident through his vision to support and grow ILA. His commitment to philanthropy and community leadership was recognised in 2022 when he and his wife Sophie were honoured with the Creative Partnerships Australia Award for their work through ILA.
Margo Hill-Smith brings a rich blend of advocacy and arts management to ILA’s Arts Council, with extensive experience in both private and public sector roles in community work and private business.
Margo’s impact on the arts sector is evident in her tenure as Co-Director and Manager of Hill Smith Art Advisory for over 20 years where she has restructured and rebranded the business, emphasising a personalised art advisory service. Her dedication to nurturing relationships with artists, clients, and organisations has significantly shaped the local arts landscape, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the enrichment of community through the arts.
Alongside her husband and business partner Sam Hill-Smith, Margo has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting arts philanthropy through close relationships spanning several decades. Margo is currently a member of the Hospital Research Foundation Creative Health Art prize Steering Committee and Helpmann Foundation Board and has close relationships with South Australian arts organisations such as Art Gallery of South Australia, ASO, Slingsby, State Theatre Company, MusicaViva, Helpmann Academy, Adelaide Central School of Art and Adelaide College of the Arts.
Peter Hanlon is an Adelaide-based filmmaker, and the founder of both Living Not Beige Films and Mess Productions. In addition to Peter’s five previous films, his latest film: The Angels” Kicking’ Down the Door opened the 2022 Adelaide FIlm Festival and has shown in 100 cinemas across Australia and New Zealand.
Peter is a previous Chair of the South Australian Film Corporation, BankSA Board, RAMS Home Loans and the Fleurieu Community Foundation. He was also a member of the SA Museum Board. In 2022, Peter was appointed as the Strategic Adviser to the SA Premier’s Delivery Unit and as a member of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) Board.
Peter retired from banking in 2015 with his last full-time position being Chief Executive, Australian Financial Services at Westpac. Prior to his 25 year banking career, Peter served in the Royal Australian Air Force for 20 years.
Peter was educated at Elizabeth West and Enfield High Schools, University of South Australia, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and was elected valedictorian at Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
Vincent Ciccarello is an Adelaide-based arts leader and philanthropy director with more than three decades of experience across classical music, journalism, and philanthropy. He holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Musicology from the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music.
His early career took him into arts administration, including a role as Orchestra Resources Manager at the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. He then moved into artist management, heading opera and classical music at Performers Management before founding and running Fanfare Artist Management from 1994 to 2004, representing classical and music theatre artists across Australia and New Zealand.
Vincent later transitioned into journalism, writing for the Independent Weekly in Adelaide and holding editorial roles at the University of South Australia and Flinders University. He went on to serve as Managing Director of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for nine years. Following that role, he was appointed Head of Philanthropy and Enterprise at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), where he led the gallery’s philanthropic, development, and membership programs.
He is currently Director of Development and Philanthropy at Pembroke School in Adelaide.
Vincent was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2025 for service to arts administration.
With a distinguished career in the state government, as Director of Creative Industries at Arts South Australia, Becc has led transformative policies supporting the arts. A recognised leader, she received the Public Service Medal in 2024 for her contributions to South Australia’s music and creative industries. We are thrilled to have her guiding ILA’s vision into 2025 and beyond.
“After a career in government dedicated to supporting creative enterprise, returning to industry within a business that engages creatives to present sensory, immersive experiences for people to engage with is incredibly exciting. It truly feels like coming home.” – Becc Bates
Antoinette is an experienced leader across senior and general management roles in non-profit, public and private sectors, spanning arts, tourism, hospitality, and tertiary education. Her long tenure at the Adelaide Festival Centre allowed her to pursue her passion for the creative arts through major festivals and productions. She later held diverse roles at Zoos SA and the University of Adelaide before returning to immersive arts at ILA.
A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, she also serves as Deputy Chair of Restless Dance Theatre.
Antoinette is dedicated to supporting teams, fostering collaboration and championing the essential role of the creative arts in society.
Charon brings more than 20 years of experience in bookkeeping and payroll, having worked across public practice and the tourism industry. Originally from Ceduna on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, she began her career as a tax accountant in Port Lincoln before furthering her experience in Melbourne. Returning to her regional roots, she later joined Calypso Star Charters, a leading shark cage diving tourism operator, as Accounts and Payroll Officer. After relocating to Adelaide, Charon joined ILA, where she supports the organisation through her expertise in financial administration, accounts payable and payroll, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and smooth day-to-day operations.
As the Senior Event Planner at ILA, I bring ideas to life by creating unforgettable experiences tailored to each client’s vision. From corporate dinners and product launches to immersive dining experiences, private celebrations, engagements, and weddings, I love turning concepts into seamless, memorable events.
Known for my strong organisational skills, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail, I work closely with clients every step of the way to ensure every event exceeds expectations. Whether it’s an intimate celebration or a large-scale event, I’m passionate about delivering exceptional experiences that are as unique as the people behind them.
Head of Marketing and Communications
Kaz is a senior brand, marketing and communications strategist with 15 years of experience in the arts and higher education sectors. She specialises in building diverse audiences for digital experiences and is passionate about expanding access to the arts for non-traditional audiences.
Beginning her career at the State Theatre Company of South Australia, Kaz then spent a decade in the United Kingdom leading audience strategy for a range of organisations including the historic Bristol Old Vic. As Head of Marketing and Distribution at the National Theatre in London, she grew global audiences through National Theatre Live cinema broadcasts and the National Theatre at Home streaming platform.
Sarah Bleby’s career in festivals, music and international engagement has ventured from global expos in Asia and stadium events the Middle East, to senior roles with Adelaide Festival Centre, Create SA, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Festival. As Executive Producer for eight Adelaide Guitar Festivals, she led world-class international presentations, championed outstanding local music, and oversaw its acclaimed state-wide regional touring program On the Road.
A committed arts advocate and curious explorer of cultural endeavour, Sarah brings her fundamentally collaborative approach to ILA’s creative programs.
Kelly is a live events and production professional with over 20 years’ experience in theatre, touring, and large-scale event delivery. Born in South Africa and of Scottish heritage, she brings a broad international perspective to her work. Specialising in Production stage management and Showcalling, she has worked across major international productions, including recent world tours for Alicia Keys and Shakira. Kelly is passionate about bringing creative visions to life.
With nearly 40 years of experience in sales and close to a decade specialising in events, Kerri brings a rare blend of commercial acumen, creativity and calm confidence to every client interaction. She is known for her exceptional relationship-building skills and her ability to understand what clients truly value — then translate that into unforgettable experiences at ILA.
Whether guiding a corporate partner, shaping a milestone celebration or crafting an immersive moment in Aurora or the Lab, Kerri ensures every event feels seamless, personal and impeccably delivered.
Originally from Sydney, James is an experienced hospitality professional whose career has taken him through some of Australia’s most acclaimed restaurants, including Rockpool in New South Wales, where he worked as a Sommelier. After moving to Adelaide, he quickly established himself as a respected member of the local hospitality scene and is now one of Aurora Restaurants and ILA’s longest serving team members.
In his role as Hospitality Manager, James leads front-of-house operations, functions, food and beverage service, and the development of ILA’s beverage offering. His passion for hospitality, extensive industry knowledge and dedication to high-quality service are evident to all visiting Aurora or enjoying ILA’s hospitality services. Whether overseeing a major event, mentoring staff or curating an exceptional drinks experience, James is committed to delivering outstanding experiences for every guest.
Robin Wagner began his career in Germany, gaining invaluable experience in Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe before moving to Australia. Here, he further honed his craft in some of the country’s finest Hatted establishments, including Magill Estate and the Lake House in Daylesford.
In 2022, Wagner was recognised as the winner of the San Pellegrino Young Chef Pacific Final Awards. Proving his philosophy that simplicity is the complexity of an unforgettable experience, Wagner took the prize through a plant-based dish that showcased seasonality and sustainability, and demonstrated that a vegan creation can stand on par with those featuring proteins or luxury ingredients.
Robin Wagner will pursue ILA’s values to push the boundaries of gastronomic and artistic experiences. By exploring the intersection of food and technology through the use of ILA’s immersive LED screens, Robin will continue to innovate and elevate the dining experience. In addition, he will champion Aurora’s mission to serve as an incubator for the next generation of chefs and front-of-house professionals, advancing a model of social sustainability. Robin is deeply committed to fostering a supportive, empowering environment where the team can thrive, learn, and grow.
Robin Wagner brings a wealth of experience and expertise in mentorship and creativity, and says providing an exceptional dining experience for guests with diverse dietary needs will be central to his approach. Expect seasonal, sustainable ingredients, and new dishes that leave an impact long after you leave the table.