Joanna James
The South Australian capital of Adelaide has a rich culture which includes a thriving art scene which is on display at the city's many galleries. It's not just contemporary works either, with some venues also showcasing traditional Aboriginal creations. Here are some of the best galleries to visit.
Amongst the most popular attractions in Adelaide, the Art Gallery of South Australia features one of the largest collections in the country. Located in the North Terrace area near the South Australian Museum, this site has over 44,000 artworks encompassing paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, photographs, textiles, metalwork, glass, jewellery and more. Its Australian art collection showcases local as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creations from the present dating back to the 1800s. Additionally, the gallery has a collection of Asian art as well as an international collection including works by the European old masters.
If you are looking to take in contemporary works of art on your visit, add ACE Open to your itinerary. This well-known gallery can be found the Lion Arts Centre in the city's west end, within easy reach for those finding accommodation Adelaide CBD has to offer. The venue features a year-round programme of exhibitions which means you are likely to always have something new to see. These free exhibitions not only display works from Australian and South Australian artists but those from across the globe too.
One of Australia's premier university art museums, the Samstag Museum of Art showcases cutting-edge and thought-provoking creations of artistic expression that are well worth seeing. This venue can be found in the distinctive Hawke Building at the city west campus of the University of South Australia, a short walk from properties such as Oaks Adelaide Horizons Suites. The programmes and exhibitions that take place here are diverse indeed and include works that have cultural and educational relevance.
With its focus on traditional and contemporary works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute offers fascinating insights into indigenous culture. The gallery is located in the East End on Grenfell Street and is known for its interactive exhibits and community events as well. Its collection showcases more than 500 works which include photography, prints, artefacts, board and bark, sculpture and creations on canvas. Through its visual arts programmes, it highlights established and emerging local and international artists too.
Those who love modern sculpture, design and craft should visit JamFactory, a non-profit organisation that focuses on promoting emerging contemporary artists. It can be found in the West End Creative Precinct and is one of the must-visit galleries in Adelaide especially when it comes to the spheres of glass, ceramics, metal, jewellery and furniture. The curated programme features works from designers, artists and craftspeople from Australia and around the world; for something different, you could also take in one of the glassblowing demonstrations that is offered free of charge.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
