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Monday, January 19, 2026
HomeOpinionThe arts are alive

The arts are alive

THIS year’s Fringe festival once again surpassed expectations, with a staggering 1,040,305 tickets sold for shows across the state.

Adelaide is called Australia’s Festival Capital for a reason, and the celebration of local art is not even close to wrapping up with the SALA Festival now on the horizon.

This year’s South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA) sees a jam-packed program of local art, exhibitions and showcases across the state, with a number of highlights right here in Gawler, Playford, the Barossa and surrounding regions.

As an art buff living and working in the northern suburbs, there is never a dull moment in the local arts scene, but having the region really getting into the SALA spirit every year is a joy to see.

Some local highlights of this year’s program that I’m excited to see include the Munda Wanna (Land and Sea) exhibit by artist Presten Warren, which explores the rhythms of land and sea and connection to Country.

Another exhibit I’ve been looking forward to is this year’s Unleash in the Barossa, which showcases the work of learning disabled and neurodivergent artists across Tutti Arts’ three studio locations.

The exhibition has filled the studio walls with larger than life exhibition exploring the unique perspectives and diverse styles of the artists.

Of course, this year’s Arts on the Plains will once again welcome a massive program of local exhibitions showcasing the very best of Gawler and surrounding region’s art.

The Gawler Community Gallery is showcasing a huge array of beautiful artworks by a diverse range of local artists each with their own particular style.

It was difficult seeing the arts sector suffer over the past few years following Covid-19, but it is clear the local community is alive, well, and calling out for more art than ever before.

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