The Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains areas have a rich cultural and art tradition. The Kaurna, Ngadjuri and Peramangk people and immigrants from Middle Europe have left a legacy of arts and artisans.
RDA BGLAP is proud to support the Art Music Design Initiative, a virtual hub for creatives in the greater Barossa region. Art Music Design is a meeting place for all working in the creative industries: artists, musicians, designers, dancers, theatre makers, writers and more.
It connects makers with creative industries, tourism, local business, national and international opportunities. Learn more at Art Music Design, hit ‘subscribe’ and sign up for our newsletter, or like us on Facebook.
Visual Art
The Barossa has a rich history of visual arts. Many commercial and non-commercial gallery spaces, artist led initiatives, and collaborations with local businesses make for a rich tapestry of offerings. The Barossa Regional Gallery, Kapunda Community Gallery and the Jam Factory at Seppeltsfield Winery lead the way in supporting local, national and international art in the region.
Not to be outdone, artist led initiatives such as the Blooms Painting Workshops by local artist Jacqueline Coates, Janelle Amos’ Mandala Workshops or Peter Franz Photography in Lyndoch show how innovation in creative arts business can lead to rewarding opportunities for freelance practitioners.
Music plays an important part in the region’s cultural landscape. Acoustic songwriters and performers gig regularly, giving the region a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere.
Local musicians and international acts can be found performing at wineries, galleries and breweries, making for a perfect pairing on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Below local musicians Very Jane perform a song about Barossan legend Peter Lehmann.
Equally known for its brass and concert bands, the Barossa is home to three very prominent ensembles that perform at a range of different events. The Tanunda Town Band, the Nuriootpa Town Band and the Marananga Brass Band each have a long and proud history within the region. In addition to regular performances, each band has a long and proud history of supporting music education in the region through outreach programs in local schools.
The jewel in the crown of the valley is the Hill & Son Pipe Organ. Situated at the Barossa Regional Gallery, this magnificent instrument was restored to its original glory by makers in the Barossa region. It now regularly hosts performances by national and international guests. A full documentation of the instrument’s restoration, as well as listings for upcoming performances, can be found here.
Design
Artistic design and design led thinking is key to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Many graphic designers live and practice in the area, each offering different opportunities for local business to engage in creative thinking.
Textiles and jewellery design also make their mark in local retail and tourism. Many local shops, including the Barossa Regional Gallery and Elemental Barossa take pride in stocking locally made clothes and jewellery.
On a larger scale, furniture and homewares are equally celebrated and provide tourists with a beautiful, high quality option for gifting that is unique to the region. The 100 Mile Home works locally to source ethical, artisan products, whilst Winestains handcraft beautifully designed products from aged wine barrels, a product common to the region.
embed: Ilona Glastonbury 100 Mile Home
Other Art Forms – Theatre, Writing, Filmmaking and more
Not to be outdone, creatives in other artistic fields contribute to the Barossan artistic landscape in many ways. The greater region is home to many writers and poets, who are supported by community and professional organizations.
Film and performing arts are also well received in the Barossa. Just outside the centre of Tanunda is the Barossa Arts and Convention Centre, a world-class venue that regularly hosts national and local acts. BACC is also home to local theatre makers The Barossa Players.
For young performers, Firefly Performing Arts have weekly and school holiday classes in dance, circus and performing arts and, for entertainment aficionados, the Barossa Film Club host regular film events across the year.
Key Calendar Events
February – March
– The Adelaide Fringe Festival
April (Biannual)
– The Barossa Vintage Festival
August
– the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival
