Case Study: 2025 SALT on the Water: Message in a Bottle

Project Summary

Port Lincoln’s foreshore came alive during the SALT Festival 2025 with Message in a Bottle, a powerful community arts event that united artists, musicians, businesses, and residents in a shared expression of hope for the future.

The project invited people of all ages to submit personal messages—wishes and dreams—which were placed inside lanterns designed to resemble floating bottles. These lanterns were released across Boston Bay in a stunning visual display, accompanied by original songs composed from the messages and performed live from a floating barge.

The event was made possible through strong local partnerships. CPH Accounting hosted the lantern-building workshops, while the local council provided access to the foreshore. Funding support came from SATC for marketing and Country Arts SA for production, wages, and materials. More than 12 artists, 3 musicians, and an 11-member committee collaborated to bring the project to life, many of whom had previously worked with SALT, further strengthening regional artistic ties.

“This event was about community engagement and professional development,” said the lead artist. “By involving visual artists, songwriters, school children and the broader community, we’ve laid the groundwork for future regional events. Despite challenging weather, around 2,500 people attended, showing the deep connection between the art and the community.”

Hundreds of messages were submitted online and through physical bottles placed at the Nautilus Arts Centre. Community members also participated in lantern-building workshops, making the event a truly collaborative experience. The result was a free, all-ages celebration that reflected the spirit and creativity of the Southern Eyre Peninsula.

Project Type – Arts Project
Artform – Community Arts
Amount Funded – $30,000
Primary Beneficiary – Artists and arts workers

From the Artist

“This event was all about community connection and professional growth. By bringing together visual artists, musicians, songwriters, and school children, we’ve built a strong foundation for future regional projects. Despite challenging weather, around 2,500 people attended, showing how deeply the community engaged with the concept. Through workshops led by Tony Hannan and Mark Timberlake, our regional artists gained valuable skills in collaboration, project development, and artistic practice.”

Public Outcomes

Hundreds of community members submitted messages online and via bottles placed at the Nautilus Arts Centre, shaping the music, performance, and floating artworks. Through workshops, locals helped build lanterns, making the event a truly collaborative experience. Held in a public, accessible space and promoted widely during the SALT Festival, the free, all-ages event reflected the creativity and spirit of the Southern Eyre Peninsula.Event highlights video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_mJ61-w5Yg&t=2s