The 29th South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival is set to transform the state into the nation's largest open gallery, showcasing the talents of over 11,000 artists across 700 exhibitions and events. This year's program, released today, promises a diverse range of artistic experiences, from new paintings to immersive animations, walking tours, and even bus tours through the regions. The festival, a celebration of creativity, community, and connection with exceptional South Australian artists, is a highlight on the state's calendar, attracting art enthusiasts and locals alike.
One of the festival's highlights is the Immersive Light and Art (ILA) exhibition, featuring Matthew Quick's 'Deaf in One Eye', which combines new paintings with an immersive animation, allowing visitors to step into the artist's earlier work. This interactive approach is a testament to the festival's commitment to engaging and innovative experiences.
The festival also offers a variety of events that cater to different interests and artistic mediums. For instance, SALADate Night encourages duos to collaborate on art, fostering a playful and creative atmosphere. SALASlide Night, hosted by Sam Faehrmann, provides an opportunity for artists to share their thoughts and insights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
Networking events, such as the Artists & Galleries event, facilitate connections between artists and galleries, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Guided walking tours, led by expert artists, offer a more intimate and educational experience, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the exhibitions and the artists' work.
The festival also showcases the diverse artistic landscape of South Australia, with events like the Street Art Walking Tour, led by Lucinda Penn, providing insights into mural painting techniques and the influences behind the artwork. The Wander & Wonder Walking Tour, led by Alyssa Powell-Ascura, celebrates cultural diversity and the Filipino concept of 'gala', offering a unique perspective on the artwork.
Artist-Run Initiative Walking Tours, led by Luna Chen, explore Adelaide's experimental and emerging works, while Fire Talks, hosted by Dominic Guerrera, create a space for critical reflection and meaningful conversations about art. The Kent Town Street Art Walk & Talk, led by Dave Court, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative community in Kent Town, including live painting demonstrations and studio tours.
SALABus Tours provide a more regional perspective, with curated journeys through the Adelaide Hills, South Coast, Hahndorf to Kanmantoo, and the Barossa Valley. These tours offer a unique opportunity to meet artists, explore their studios, and experience the vibrant creative communities in these areas.
The festival also includes self-guided tours, such as the Jarvis Škoda Regional Self-Guided Tours, allowing visitors to explore exhibitions at their own pace. Open Studios Weekend provides a rare opportunity to meet artists and see their work in progress, fostering a deeper appreciation for the creative process.
One of the festival's most anticipated events is SALAUp Late, a night-time exploration of Port Adelaide's creative hub, guided by local artists. This event promises a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the city's vibrant artistic scene after dark.
The festival also features a special workshop, the Infrared Film and Eco Processing Photography Workshop, led by local experimental photographer Bryce Kraehenbuehl. This beginner-friendly workshop offers a fun and eco-friendly way to learn about infrared film and develop photographs using household ingredients.
As the featured artist for 2026, Troy-Anthony Baylis, a descendant of the Jawoyn people from the Northern Territory and of Irish ancestry, will present a new exhibition, 'Pile-up', at the Adelaide Central Gallery. This exhibition combines iconic pieces from his oeuvre with two new significant bodies of work, showcasing his multi-faceted artistic practice founded in the process of 'queering' and unsettling 'traditional' ways of representing Aboriginality.
The festival's commitment to showcasing diverse artistic practices is further emphasized by the monograph about Baylis' practice, authored by local writers Tikari Rigney and Sasha Grbich. This publication, produced by Wakefield Press, is an outcome of the SA Living Artist Publication Opportunity, supported by Create SA, highlighting the festival's dedication to promoting and preserving the work of South Australian artists.
In summary, the 29th SALA Festival promises a rich and diverse program, offering a wide range of artistic experiences that cater to various interests and mediums. From immersive exhibitions to guided tours and workshops, the festival celebrates creativity, community, and connection, providing a unique opportunity to engage with exceptional South Australian artists and their work.
