City | Food and Wine | Romance | Family
20 June 2016
Explore Art, Culture And Creativity in Adelaide
South Australia’s capital of Adelaide is known for many things – its cathedrals and churches, world-class wineries, colonial architecture, grassy parklands, fantastic food and an enviable laidback lifestyle. But it’s Adelaide’s thriving arts, culture and festival scene that is gaining momentum and putting the city on the map as a vibrant, cultural hub.
A collection of galleries, museums and festivals spread across Adelaide are helping redefine this exciting smaller city. Whether you’re keen to learn more about Australia’s cultural heritage, or ponder new-age installations from emerging local and international creatives, here are five of our favourite art and cultural institutions and events in Adelaide.
Art Gallery of South Australia
Quite possibly one of Adelaide’s most beautiful buildings, the Art Gallery of South Australia in North Terrace has a rich history that dates back to 1881. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to the gallery each and every year to view some of the 45,000 works of art in its collection. Inside find a diverse range of sculptures, prints, paintings, drawings, photos, textiles, furniture, ceramics, metalwork and jewellery from across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia. Open to the public daily, spend an hour or a full day wandering the galleries, then finish it off with a relaxed lunch at AGSA_eat, a casual cafe and eatery that heroes South Australian produce.
Jam Factory
An intrinsic part of Adelaide’s arts scene for over 40 years, the famous JamFactory – located in a purpose-built establishment in the West End arts precinct – is the city’s epicentre for creatives and creativity. Drop in to shop the best in craft and design, explore the latest incredible exhibitions and meet the artisans. The not-for-profit organisation supports South Australia’s artists, craftspeople and designers with four gallery spaces, fully equipped studios for ceramics, glass, furniture and metal, and a flagship retail store selling handcrafted jewellery and unique homewares for those who fall in love with any of the artisan pieces. Time your visit right and you can join a free tour of the space or watch skilled artisans blowing glass.
Adelaide Fringe
For the ultimate multisensory cultural experience, time your visit to South Australia to coincide with the annual Adelaide Fringe. A dizzying blend of dance, film, theatre, visual arts, design, music, comedy and circus, this electric citywide spectacle takes over Adelaide from mid-February to mid-March each year. The wild world of Adelaide Fringe attracts acts from across Australia and the world, bringing this month-long party to the city with something to offer spectators of all ages. Book a couple of shows and explore The Garden of Unearthly Delights to see where the evening takes you.
South Australian Museum
For a trip back in time, the South Australian Museum paints a captivating picture of the state’s early years in an engaging, interactive setting. Founded in 1859, the museum features a world-class collection of permanent galleries and changing exhibitions, focused not only on South Australia’s heritage, flora and fauna, but also Australian Aboriginal and Pacific cultures, Ancient Egypt, fossils, world mammals, minerals and meteorites.
Adelaide Festival
Locals call it “Mad March” because during this month the city becomes the events centre of Australia. Coinciding with the spectacular Adelaide Fringe and motor-racing event the Adelaide 500, the Adelaide Festival brings a massive celebration of performing arts to the streets for the first few weeks of March each year. Expect to see opera, theatre, dance, music, cabaret, art and more as various events, including the four-day world music festival WOMADelaide and literary festival Adelaide Writers' Week, take over the city’s venues and parks.
