Photo credit: Callie Nicholai
Isn’t it fabulous to see what can happen when a community joins forces?
Determined to make the most of the 2013 South Australian Living Artists Festival the Loxton Waikerie Council, Loxton Chamber of Commerce, Loxton Visitor Information Centre and Loxton Terrace Gallery teamed together to create an impressive calendar of events during August.
The town’s main street was a sea of orange SALA dots. In addition to traditional art venues in the town, more than 35 Riverland & Mallee artists had their artwork displayed in over 60 Loxton businesses.
The local CWA organised a ‘meet the artists‘ night and the town hosted the ‘Arts on Terrace‘ event, a public day of festivities which included workshops, local artists at work, a Junk Art Sculpture Competition and all SALA registered venues were open for business.
The local paper reflected the thoughts of many locals when it stated “how refreshing to see another event on the typically scarce winter calendar”.
The positive connection between artists and businesses was an overwhelming success. It’s a connection that the town has been working on and building for a number of years.
Loxton Waikerie Council Community Development Officer, Suzie Schultz notes ”It demonstrates the strength of the Loxton Chamber of Commerce and Loxton Waikerie Council in working with their community to recognise the importance of local artists and the arts in offering a point of difference for Loxton”.
Country Arts SA pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognises their continuing connection and spiritual relationship to these lands, waters and skies. We are committed to listening and helping care for Country, and to safeguard, share and celebrate First Nations’ living cultures.