It’s just not Adelaide if there’s not an arts festival on and the big player in August, of course, is the 2016 SoutH Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA, because we like to shorten the vernacular).
Presenting more than 600 exhibition across 31 days, we’re looking for someone who is keen to attend every single exhibition… actually, we’re not! But if you considered responding for a moment, then you’re the sort of person who is ready to immerse themselves. Good on you!
Officially opening this weekend with its biggest program to date, presenting the works of more than 4600 artists in 630 free exhibitions across the state, the Art Gallery of South Australia will of course be the focus of the official launch this Friday evening in an invite only event where. SALA featured artist and recipient of the 2016 SALA Wakefield Monograph Catherine Truman will be keynote speaker, and announce the recipient of the 2017 title.
Encompassing all forms of visual art from painting, sculpture and jewellery to video, multimedia and more, the 19th SALA Festival will put on a state-wide arty winter feast as 570 venues from pubs and cafes to wineries, bookshops and even tattoo shops are turned into pop-up art galleries for 31 days. Here’s a quick look across some of the highlights:
SALA IN THE SQUARE: SALA hits Victoria Square for the first time, transforming it into a buzzing festival hub where artists will stage pop-up exhibitions in shipping containers. Meet the artists, view their work, or get information about other exhibitions from the official SALA information booth. Official opening Monday August 1, 1pm, featuring live performances by special guests from the Adelaide Guitar Festival.
ART AT THE AIRPORT: Adelaide Airport will once again be transformed into a giant art gallery as 13 artists including Trent Parke, James Dodd, Chris De Rosa and Peter Drew explore the physicality, beauty and rawness of life in Australia as part of the “Great Southern Land” exhibition. (August 1 to September 11). Great to spot if you’re travelling.
“LA VITA” CHARITY LUNCH WITH POH: Celebrate art, food, wine and life at this very special lunch as TV celebrity, artist and chef Poh Ling Yeow from Jamface creates your favourite Mediterranean delights surrounded by stunning works by local artists at Centennial Park. Proceeds support the Mary Potter Foundation and Daw House Hospice Foundation. (Sunday, August 7, $100pp)
REGIONAL ART TOURS: Take a SALA bus from the city through Adelaide’s regions to discover amazing exhibitions and hear firsthand from local artists about their work. Tours include the Fleurieu Peninsula (August 5), Adelaide Hills (August 14), Palmer Sculpture and Landscape Walk (August 21) and the Barossa Valley Art and Wine Tour (August 25).
SALA GOES GUITAR: A collaboration with the Adelaide Guitar Festival will see live performances by musicians at a selection of SALA exhibition openings across Adelaide until August 10.
SALA IN THE GARDEN: A jam-packed carnival of arty fun for the whole family at Unley Road’s Soldier’s Memorial Gardens, with demonstrations, children’s art workshops, live music and local food and wine. (Sunday, August 21, 10.30am to 4.30pm)
ART AFTER DARK: SALA gets going when the sun goes down, bringing Adelaide’s West End to life with walking tours, exhibition openings and a “PechaKucha” night – a fun event for creative people to share ideas. (Thursday, August 18, 5pm to 9pm).
THE ARTISTS’ VOICE FORUM: A host of top practicing artists will lead a full day of discussion and debate at the Art Gallery of SA’s Radford Auditorium about the state of visual arts in SA, now and in the future. (Saturday, August 27, 10.30am to 4pm)
ARTIST RESIDENCIES: Watch SALA’s five artists in residence Fran Callen, James Dodd, Jessie Lumb, Joy Levins and Niki Sperou create artworks inspired by their surroundings at the SAHMRI, Adelaide Festival Centre, Flinders Medical Centre and the Central Market.
Emma Hack, Royal Hanging
Julia Robinson, Rutting Creature, 2015
Franz Kempf – Mount of Olives, 1987
Catherine Truman, Ongoing Being
SALA Festival Director Penny Griggs said with a record number of exhibitions, the 2016 program cemented August as “visual art month” in SA, with art and cultural events to cater to all tastes.
“SALA is the only festival in our state that focuses on local artists. August is the time to meet your local artists and view the world through their eyes. Rejoice in the 630 exhibitions and events celebrating South Australian artists and their art,” she said.
Get you plans for SALA started (if you haven’t already) by visiting the SALA Website.
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