Adelaide Arcade: A Curated Exhibition

Inspire. Create. Imagine.

This August, Adelaide Arcade once again joins South Australia’s Living Artists (SALA) Festival with Adelaide Arcade: A Curated Exhibition, a month-long celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and community.

Home to one of Adelaide’s most unique collections of artists, makers and independent retailers, Adelaide Arcade invites visitors to explore a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the Arcade. From contemporary jewellery and textiles to glass, printmaking, fashion and mixed media, each exhibition reflects the creativity and passion of the people behind Adelaide Arcade’s businesses.

Whether you’re discovering an artist for the first time, meeting the maker behind a handcrafted piece, or simply enjoying the atmosphere of one of Adelaide’s most beautiful heritage destinations, there’s something to inspire around every corner.

Exhibitions

T’Arts Gallery

Common Ground

2–29 August

For more than 22 years, T’Arts Gallery has been a creative fixture of Gay’s Arcade, championing the work of South Australia’s talented artists and makers. This year’s SALA exhibition, Common Ground, brings together ten of the state’s premier artists in a diverse showcase spanning wood, ceramics, steel, glass, fibres and textiles. Displayed in the gallery’s striking front window, the exhibition celebrates the shared threads of creativity, craftsmanship and artistic expression that connect each maker while highlighting the unique qualities of their individual practices.

Location: T’Arts Gallery, 10G Gay’s Arcade

Zu design

STATE-meant

1–31 August

Discover STATE-meant, a compelling contemporary jewellery exhibition featuring the work of more than twenty Australian jewellery artists. Each piece has something to say, exploring themes ranging from social, political and environmental issues to sustainability, materiality, process and the realities of everyday life. Through wearable works of art, the exhibition invites visitors to consider jewellery as a powerful form of creative expression and conversation.

Exhibition Opening: Thursday 13 August, 5.00pm – 7.30pm
Location: Zu design, Shop 102G, Gay’s Arcade Balcony Level

Pink Shorts Press

I Just Want To Paint Flowers

1–23 August

Step into the colourful world of artist Ayesha Aggarwal, where ceramics and floral paintings come together in a joyful celebration of creativity. Set within the cosy home of independent publisher Pink Shorts Press, this charming exhibition invites visitors to slow down, embrace beauty and discover a fresh collection of original works inspired by gardens, colour and everyday moments.

Opening Event: Saturday 1 August, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Location: Pink Shorts Press, Shop 111, Balcony Level

Bearded Dragon Gallery

Peak to Peak and Still Climbing

1–31 August

Presented by Bearded Dragon Gallery in collaboration with the Specialised Assistance School for Youth (SASY), Peak to Peak and Still Climbing explores the lifelong journey of growth, curiosity and creative discovery. Featuring works by artists with disability, emerging young artists and photography students, the exhibition celebrates resilience, new perspectives and the idea that every achievement reveals another horizon to explore. Through diverse artistic voices and lived experiences, the exhibition reminds us that the journey itself is often the most meaningful part.

Opening Event: Thursday 6 August, 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Location: Bearded Dragon Gallery, 2G Gay’s Arcade

Two-Bit Villains

I Accidentally Painted a Love Letter

1–31 August

Artist Bella Bianchini invites visitors into a playful world filled with flowers, nostalgia, tenderness and colour. I Accidentally Painted a Love Letter is a vibrant exhibition that celebrates human connection, joyful chaos and the beauty found in everyday moments. Expect whimsical works that are heartfelt, uplifting and full of personality.

Location: Two-Bit Villains, Shop 150, Balcony Level

OmMade Meet the Maker

Emma Klau

1–31 August

Discover the captivating handblown glass sculptures of South Australian artist Emma Klau, whose work is inspired by the wondrous and fantastical world around us. Blending technical craftsmanship with imagination, Emma’s sculptural forms transform molten glass into intricate artworks that celebrate nature, curiosity and storytelling. Meet the artist and experience her beautiful collection throughout the month.

Location: OmMade Meet the Maker, Shop 12, Adelaide Arcade

Aryoo Eyewear

Ceramics by Maryam

1–31 August

Discover the ceramic works of Maryam, whose lifelong connection with clay began as a child creating tiny vessels on the banks of a river in rural Iran. After migrating to Adelaide, she rediscovered pottery as a creative outlet, finding peace and fulfilment in shaping clay by hand. Her exhibition reflects a deeply personal journey of memory, migration and creativity, with each handcrafted piece celebrating the joy of making and the beauty of everyday life.

Location: Aryoo Eyewear, Shop 20, Adelaide Arcade

Each exhibition offers a unique perspective and showcases the incredible talent that makes Adelaide Arcade such a creative destination.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Arcade at their own pace throughout August and support Adelaide’s vibrant creative community.

SALA Festival
1–31 August 2026

Don’t miss Adelaide Arcade After Dark
Join us on Thursday 13 August from 5pm for a special after-hours celebration featuring exhibitions, artists, makers, shopping and unique experiences throughout the Arcade.

Learn more →