Each year the SALA Board invites a South Australian artist to deliver a talk at the official launch of the Festival. Artists have been invited to address a particular subject that affects the artistic community, which have previously ranged from public art; the role of art schools; to being a parent, artist and provider and emerging as an artist.

Click on the speaker to read their keynote speech.

2019 – Jim Moss

2018 – Clare Belfrage

2017 – Christopher Orchard

2016 – Catherine Truman

2015 – Giles Bettison

2014 – Inawinytji Williamson

2013 – Robert Hannaford

2012 – Christopher Orchard

2011 – Khai Liew

2010 – Bridget Noone

2009 – Paul Greenaway OAM

2007 – Sera Waters

2006 – Dr Warhola

2005 – Dianne Longley

2004 – Roy Ananda

2003 – Muriel Van Der Byl

2002 – John Barbour

2001 – Anna Platten

2000 – Tony Bishop

1999 – Kay Lawrence

1998 – Hossein Valamanesh