Finalists, WINNERS & Outcomes
Check out the projects and outcomes from our award winners and opportunity recipients!
South Australian Industry Award
Awarded to an artist exhibiting in the 2026 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition, this award is proudly supported by SALA Festival, JamFactory, Guildhouse, and Sam Roberts.
- Fri 13 Feb - Sat 21 March 2026
- SASA Gallery, Adelaide
- more info
We are delighted to share that Karla Hitchcock has been selected as the recipient of the South Australian Industry Award at the 2026 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition for her work, When She Loved Me.
Karla Hitchcock is an emerging visual artist based in Adelaide, on unceded Kaurna Yarta. Through ceramics and textiles, she frames themes of sustainability, gender and shared life experiences with thoughtfulness and authenticity.
Karla’s developing ceramics practice shows intense investigation of ceramic techniques with evidence of strong curiosity as to the potential of clay beyond functional ware. Her love of textiles developed early and was nurtured throughout her life. She has combined textiles and ceramics in several artworks to examine physical texture and feelings of care and identity. Her current work evokes feelings of nostalgia and whimsy as she marries the traditional face jugs with ceramic oil lamps to explore personal identity, transition and human developmental needs.
‘When She Loved Me’ is inspired by the reliance of children on special soft toys or blankets as a way to self-comfort. As an adult, life transitions can leave one questioning identity and purpose and a search for a sense of childhood self-comfort re-emerges.
Inspired by traditional face jugs from the American South, the ceramic oil lamps bear the facial features of favourite childhood toys and are refined into figures that comfort the artist. Some figures are textured to appear soft and fluffy like a stuffed animal. Other figures developed absurdly large noses to highlight the awkward feelings that can arise during times of transition and act as a nod to the physical changes of adolescence when feet. hands, and even noses grow rapidly, leaving other body parts to catch up later.
Awarded to an artist exhibiting in the 2026 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition, this award is proudly supported by SALA Festival, JamFactory, Guildhouse, and Sam Roberts. This award entitles the recipient to a JamFactory Short Course, premium registration for the 2026 SALA Festival, Guildhouse membership, photographic services from Sam Roberts, and $2,000 cash (total value $4,000).
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.
2026: Stay tuned for details about where to see Tony’s work projected onto a building in the CBD this August.
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.
2026: Stay tuned for details on Cynthia’s public engagement program for August 2026.
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.
Don Dunstan Foundation Award
For artists whose work honours the legacy of Don Dunstan and/or engages with the values of the Don Dunstan Foundation.
The objectives and priorities of the Don Dunstan Foundation include homelessness; climate justice, Aboriginal empowerment and reconciliation; democracy; and Don Dunstan’s legacy.
The judges felt that the works were beautifully crafted and emotive, and told their story clearly.
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.
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
2026: Stay tuned for details on Sally’s exhibition at Hughes Gallery in August 2026.
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 Awards
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.
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
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
