Finalists & Outcomes
Check out the projects and outcomes from our award winners and opportunity recipients!
SALA in Lights Award
Illuminating the work of a South Australian visual artist taking part in the 2025 SALA Festival.
Tony’s submission was compelling for its strong alignment with the festival and incredible attention to detail. Tony’s body of work “offering[s]” was exhibited at Praxis Artspace during SALA 2025.
The Advertiser Contemporary Art Award
For the most outstanding contemporary work in any medium in SALA Festival 2025. The finalists will feature in a dedicated finalist exhibition at Keith Murdoch House in Adelaide.
Carolyn Corletto’s playful work delivers a powerful message in a humorous and gentle manner. The perfect balance in the world we live in today.
- Ashley Bastian
- Bundy Bannerman
- Carolyn Corletto
- Catherine Fitz-Gerald
- Catherine Nguyen-Hoang
- Eliana Della Flora
- Emma Fält
- Georgina Mills
- John Dow
- Josef Felber
- Kirsten Johnston
- Marlize de Klerk
- Nadera Rasulova
- Peter Fitton
- Rebecca Whittemore
- Sian Watson
- Thom Buchanan
The City of Adelaide Award
This award recognises an artist whose work explores and/or celebrates the experience of the City.
Judges decided that the actively engaging process of Cynthia’s work, the message of sustainability and call to action) to be alert to our own actions and how we contribute to a better or worse environment, (exemplified Cynthia’s own actions through the process of exchange, breaking and making of this piece of work) best spoke to the spirit and life of the City of Adelaide.
- Cynthia Schwertsik
- Mia Fan
- Karl Meyer and Gavin Wanganeen
- Marlize de Klerk
Inspiring SA Science in Art Award
For artists whose work explores/engages with science or scientific issues.
The judges were impressed by Peter’s considered and skillful rendering of his sculptures, which simultaneously honored the inherent sanctity of ancient material and brought scientific endeavor into a contemporary context.
- Fran Callen
- Karl Meyer and Gavin Wanganeen
- Peter Syndicas
Don Dunstan Foundation Award
For artists whose work explores social justice themes which align with the objectives and priorities of the Don Dunstan Foundation including homelessness; climate justice, Aboriginal empowerment and reconciliation; democracy; or Don Dunstan’s legacy.
The judges felt that the works were beautifully crafted and emotive, and told their story clearly.
- Bianca Buliga
- Dave Laslett
- Judith Klavins
City Rural Emerging Artist Award
For artists in the early stages of their career with under five years’ professional experience.
Amanda’s engagement with the exhibition concept, ‘Kitchen Sink,’ led to a process of thoughtful development and deliberate execution, resulting in a body of work that was strongly tied to a powerful message.
- Amanda Seacombe
- Emilija Kasumovic
- Mia Fan
City of Unley Active Ageing Award
For artists over the age of 60 to celebrate the City of Unley’s involvement with SALA and its commitment to promoting and supporting an active ageing approach.
Sally’s work impressed the judges with its unique, moving, visual depiction of a daughters honouring with love and care for her elder parents. The connectedness of the couple was cleverly captured artistically in technique and emotion as a highly personal yet more generally relatable evocation.
- Josef Felber
- Sally Parnis
- Sue Michael
Guildhouse Artist's Choice Award
Artists of any medium, age, or skill level are invited to vote for the SALA Award finalist whose artwork impressed them the most during the 2025 SALA Festival.
With a total of 393 votes cast, the winner of the 2025 Guildhouse Artists’s Choice Award is Thom Buchanan.
Multidisciplinary artist Thom Buchanan dismantles the boundaries between built environments and human experience—rendering psychological and physiological landscapes in shifting, monumental forms.
Whittles Body Corporate Management Services Venue Award
For venues that exceed expectations in supporting artists exhibiting during SALA Festival.
The winner of the 2024 Hither & Yon Award is Karoonda Silos!
“The judging panel was impressed by how 31 South Australian artists were supported to be involved in Karoonda Silos – Think Big, a unique opportunity to have their artwork showcased at large scale by projection onto grain silos. The exhibition was free and accessible every night throughout August, widely promoted by digital and print media, providing consistent exposure to a diverse audience. The artists not only had their work highlighted on a glowing rural canvas, but also had the option to display and sell pieces of their work through the district council office – the best of both worlds.
The panel felt strongly that the venue exceeded expectations by going over and above for the artists, which is the key principle of the Hither & Yon award. The exhibition yielded increased tourism to the area and support to the local economy, and also fostered meaningful connections across regions and industries. This considered and layered approach we also felt met the SALA purpose of engaging with communities in a vibrant and valued way, well done Karoonda Silos – Think Big.
The judging panel wishes to thank all entrants in the Hither & Yon venue award for 2024 – judging was a difficult but enjoyable process, we look forward to it again in 2025.”
– Malcolm Leask, Hither & Yon
Whittles Body Corporate Management Services Venue Award
For venues that exceed expectations in supporting artists exhibiting during SALA Festival.
Nungas in Koolunga was a joint exhibition by Joy Makepeace, David Weetra and Ali Cobby Eckermann. This was a first-time exhibition for all three artists and the first Aboriginal SALA event in the wider mid north rural region.
The opening event was an enormous success, the three artists cooked for guests, and an extra 72 people came to a town of 90!
The Old School Community Garden in Stirling transformed their grounds and facilities to host artists Jaffa and Leisel’s exhibition, preparing the garden, restoring the old school shed for use as a meeting room, and converting their propagation tunnel into a café.
Volunteers supported the exhibition by installing artworks, running garden tours, and providing food and hospitality.
The Old School Community Garden, Stirling is a thriving community of volunteer local gardeners committed to building community.
Arts in Health at SALHN Artist Residency
The SALA Arts in Health at Flinders Medical Centre residency gives a practicing South Australian artist the opportunity to immerse themselves in the hospital environment, and respond to this experience in their work.
As the 2025 SALA artist in residence, Jake Holmes will be supported to collaborate with the Dietetics Unit, with Flinders University College of Nursing and Health Sciences and Flinders University College of Science and Engineering to explore gut health and the influence of microbiomes, both in our soil and in our bodies, not only on our physical wellbeing, but also our mental health.
This residency will culminate in an exhibition of Jake’s work, ‘Gut Feelings, at Flinders Medical Centre during SALA Festival.
This residency will culminate in an exhibition of Jake’s work, ‘Gut Feelings‘, at Flinders Medical Centre from 1-31 August 2025.
Fri 22 Aug 2025, 5:30pm
The Light Room Bar, Level 1, ILA, 63 Light Square, Adelaide
Tickets are free but bookings are essential
Country Arts Sa Breaking Ground Award
For contemporary visual artists from regional South Australia, supporting them to ‘break new ground’ with a mentorship and support to develop a new body of work for exhibition in a major gallery space in metropolitan Adelaide in the 2025 SALA Festival.
The recipient of the 2025 Country Arts SA Breaking Ground Award is regional artist Susie Althorp. Susie will receive $10,000 to develop a body of work for a solo exhibition at Praxis Artspace during the 2025 SALA Festival. Living in Wallaroo Mines on the Yorke Peninsula, Susie works across the mediums of ceramics, sculpture and installation. She will be mentored by her nominated mentor, artist Catherine Truman, as part of the award prize.
Don’t miss the exhibition skopos at Praxis Artspace during SALA Festival 2025!
SALA Solo Photographic Opportunity
For an artist exhibiting photographic work in SALA Festival 2024, to support them in presenting a solo photographic exhibition of new work in the following year (SALA Festival 2025).
The panel were impressed with Tony’s proposed exhibition, a new series of photographic portraits of South Australian artists, and look forward to supporting Tony to realise this vision and show the resulting work at Praxis Artspace in next year’s SALA Festival.
Don’t miss offering[s] at Praxis Artspace during SALA Festival 2025.
South Australian Industry Award
Awarded to an artist exhibiting in the 2025 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition, this award is proudly supported by SALA Festival, JamFactory and Guildhouse. This award entitles the recipient to a JamFactory Short Course, premium registration for the 2025 SALA Festival, and a Guildhouse Accredited Premium membership. The total value of the South Australian Industry Award is $3,490, including $1,800 cash.
We are delighted to share that Chin Ton (Naomi) Tang has been selected as the recipient of the South Australian Industry Award at the 2025 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition for their work, A Table of Her Own.
Selected by an independent panel of industry leaders, the award entitles the recipient to a JamFactory Short Course, premium registration for the 2025 SALA Festival, and a Guildhouse Accredited Premium membership. The total value of the South Australian Industry Award is $3,490, including $1,800 cash.
Congratulations Naomi!
Naomi is a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts graduate from the University of South Australia whose work explores themes of femininity, identity, and personal growth.
Born in Hong Kong and moving to Australia at a young age, Naomi draws on her heritage and personal experiences to create meaningful and visually striking works. Her practice often incorporates motifs inspired by her Chinese zodiac (a horse), mythology, and religion, weaving together a rich tapestry of cultural and personal narratives. Naomi’s maximalist aesthetic pays homage to the Rococo and Renaissance periods, embracing their elegance and ornate details while reinterpreting them through a modern, hyper-feminine lens. Her pieces are characterized by intricate detailing and a whimsical sense of storytelling, creating imaginative worlds that bridge the past and present. Through her ceramics, Naomi celebrates individuality and self-expression, using her work to challenge stereotypes, honour her roots, and invite viewers into her uniquely crafted realms of nostalgia.
Instagram: @x.cosmic.pony.dcxi
A Table of Her Own, 2024
Handbuilt and wheel thrown ceramics,
found objects, mixed media
“My work explores my identity as a woman by drawing inspiration from both past and present interests, translating them into a series of ceramic pieces. Inspired by the fear of growing up and a longing to preserve the innocence of youth, I romanticize bygone eras as a form of escapism,” says Naomi.
City of Onkaparinga SALA Artist Residency
As the 2024 City of Onkaparinga SALA Artists in Residence, Laura Wills & Jackie Saunders will occupy a studio at Sauerbier House in August 2024, culminating in an exhibition in September. We look forward to visiting their studio during SALA Festival and finding out what has emerged as their collaborative focus throughout their residency.
UnitCare Services Digital Media Award
To encourage experimentation in new media
Apply for the Awards
Past Winners
The Advertiser Contemporary Art Award
For the most outstanding contemporary work in any medium in SALA Festival 2025. The finalists will feature in a dedicated finalist exhibition at Keith Murdoch House in Adelaide.
– Ashley Bastian
– Bundy Bannerman
– Carolyn Corletto
– Catherine Fitz-Gerald
– Catherine Nguyen-Hoang
– Eliana Della Flora
– Emma Fält
– Georgina Mills
– John Dow
– Josef Felber
– Kirsten Johnston
– Marlize de Klerk
– Nadera Rasulova
– Peter Fitton
– Rebecca Whittemore
– Sian Watson
– Thom Buchanan
Don Dunstan Foundation Award
For artists whose work explores social justice themes which align with the objectives and priorities of the Don Dunstan Foundation including homelessness; climate justice, Aboriginal empowerment and reconciliation; democracy; or Don Dunstan’s legacy.
Banner image: Kate Kurucz, Haza (still), 2023, single channel video
