Ruby Award win marks an exceptional year

Saltbush Country’s win at the 2024 Ruby Awards capped off an outstanding year for Country Arts SA.

The stunning First Nations exhibition – in collaboration with the Art Gallery of South Australia and Tarnanthi – was named the Outstanding Regional Event or Project at the 2024 Ruby Awards. This prestigious award recognises an outstanding artistic or cultural event or project that has had a significant positive impact on a regional community in South Australia.

Port Augusta-based Wangkangurru curator and artist Marika Davies was brought to tears at the gala event when she heard her exhibition named the winner.

“(The award) stands for independent First Nations artists that live and work in the regions and remote parts of South Australia, and just knowing each of the seven ladies and what they went through and what we went through together  – this is the best outcome for them and shows what they can achieve when they’re given opportunities.

“It stands for those artists that can be overlooked or don’t have the opportunity. So, it means everything to the regional artists, to the regions.”

Ms Davies said Saltbush Country had reached beyond her wildest dreams as a curator, and for the artists themselves.

“I’ve been taking the Ruby around to each artist (around the state) and for them to see the award (in person) and understand that it is the highest award in the arts given out in South Australia  – it’s just beyond what we set out to achieve.”  

She thanked Country Arts SA Visual Arts Manager Lauren Mustillo for her insights and guidance in expanding Saltbush Country from its initial two showings. 

“If it wasn’t for the amazing partnership with Country Arts SA and AGSA (the Art Gallery of South Australia), this opportunity would not have happened,” she said. “And now it’s rippled out and come back with a Ruby.”

The exhibition features works from a talented group of First Nations female artists: Josephine Lennon (Mirning and Antikirinjara), Marli Macumba (Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara), Juanella McKenzie (Adnyamathanha, Luritja and Lower Southern Arrernte), Deanna Newchurch (Narungga), Lynette Newchurch (Narungga), Sandra Saunders (Ngarrindjeri and Buandig) and Heather Shearer (Arrernte).

The exhibition, viewed by more than 5000 visitors during its initial run, offers a contemporary interpretation of Aboriginal life in regional South Australia, seen through the  eyes of these extraordinary artists.  Saltbush Country is currently on show at the Signal Point Experience Centre in Goolwa through December and January. See for 2025 tour dates.

Saltbush Country is just one of the 2423 events Country Arts SA  presented throughout the year. In 2024, there were more than 54,000 visits to 18 showings of six exhibitions. We supported 223 regional artists through workshops, residencies, and professional development.

We also engaged more than 9500 performers across our stages. Over half-a-million people enjoyed the diverse events, which ranged from theatre and dance to visual arts.

One of the year’s standout visual arts moments was the launch of Intersection – a bespoke professional development program in partnership with Guildhouse, designed to connect artists in South Australia’s regional communities. Among the 223 extraordinary visual artists supported by Country Arts SA was Yorke Peninsula artist Susie Althorp who was named the recipient of the 2024 Breaking Ground award.

Country Arts SA was also thrilled to bring some exceptional performances to regional audiences including Bangarra Dance Theatre’s breath-taking Yuldea which toured all four arts centres, and the sell-out smash hit 360 ALLSTARS. Nancy Bates’ powerful homage to Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman wrapped up another stellar program.

Nunga Screen continued in 2024 and was supported by the Country Arts Foundation to increase funding of First Nations works. This annual program gives workplaces the opportunity to watch a curated program of short films, animation, and documentaries by First Nations filmmakers. Spanning National Reconciliation Week through to NAIDOC Week, 11 First nations films were screened, and 110 SA schools and 1233 workplaces participated across Australia.

Country Arts SA’s commitment to regional employment remained a priority, with more than 1600 artists and arts workers directly employed through the organisation. Of these, 1071 are from regional SA and 237 are First Nations.

As the year wraps up, our teams are taking a break to recharge as we prepare for our exciting 2025 program. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming shows or exhibitions.

CHRISTMAS CLOSURES 

Adelaide Office: Closed from 24 Dec COB – 1 January
Chaffey Theatre: Closed from 3pm, 20 December to 1 January
Box office reopens 2 January at 12.30pm
Middleback Arts Centre: Closed from 22 December to 1 January
Box office reopens 2 January at 12.30pm
Northern Festival Centre:  Closed from 4.30pm, 20 December to 3 January
Box office reopens 3 January at 12.30pm
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre: Closed from 25 December to 7 January 
Box office opens 8 January at 12.30pm