Hope is at the heart of South Australia. More than any other state it has shaped its own destiny with large doses of vision and optimism. It has been less frightened of ‘the vision thing’ and demonstrated willingness to challenge prevailing sentiments, experiment, boldly innovate and take a national lead. As a result, the state has produced a disproportionate number of leaders in business, sciences, arts and public policy. This spirit is needed more than ever. The state faces profound challenges as the industrial model that shaped twentieth century South Australia is replaced by an uncertain future. State of Hope explores the economic, social, environmental and cultural challenges facing South Australia, and the possibilities of renewal that draw on the strength of the past. It celebrates the unselfconscious willingness that hope enables. State of Hope features leading South Australian writers and others with a connection to or deep knowledge of this unique place, with the distinctive Griffith Review mix of essays, reportage, memoir, fiction and poetry.