Slingsby, an Adelaide-based theatre company founded in 2007, specializes in producing theatre for family audiences and young people. However, it has announced that due to funding losses, particularly the failure to secure essential federal government support from Creative Australia, the company must cease operations. This financial setback has forced the company to announce a farewell tour with three performances at the Adelaide Festival, where they will showcase their work one last time.

Artistic director Andy Packer, who co-founded Slingsby, expressed the complex emotions tied to this decision, highlighting the deep connections and memories created through their productions. He described the bittersweet nature of this farewell, reflecting on the love for the craft and the audience they have served over the years. The end of Slingsby signifies not just the loss of a theatre company but also the impact of dwindling arts funding on local cultural institutions, which often rely on such support for survival.

The cessation of Slingsby's operations raises significant concerns regarding the future of similar theatre companies in Australia, especially those catering to niche audiences like families and children. As the arts community grapples with these funding challenges, the need for a more sustainable model for arts funding becomes increasingly urgent. This situation serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of cultural institutions and their reliance on government support, prompting discussions about the value placed on arts and creativity in society.