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16-Aug-2026 |

Annual SALA Exhibition Returns to The Foundry

The Foundry by SYC proudly opened its doors on Friday evening for the launch of Our Voice, Our Way, its annual exhibition as part of the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival, with Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, joining artists, supporters and community members to celebrate the occasion.

Now in its fifth year, the exhibition provides young people with a platform to share their creativity, perspectives and lived experiences through art. Open to the public and free to attend, the exhibition features artwork available for purchase, with all proceeds going directly to the young artists.

SALA is a statewide festival held each August, showcasing the work of more than 10,000 artists across more than 700 venues throughout South Australia. This year's exhibition theme, Our Voice, Our Way, reflects the importance of creating opportunities for young people to express themselves, share their stories and have their voices heard.

In her address at the exhibition opening, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, spoke to attendees about the importance of young people having opportunities to share their stories and be heard.

"The thing I love about The Foundry is that you can be someone who's been here for years or someone who has been here for weeks. Either way, you are always welcome."

"For those of you who are using your voices and doing it your way, I want to congratulate you for doing it. I want to encourage you to keep doing it, and I want to encourage you to do it always."

The exhibition showcases works created by young people connected to a number of SYC programs, including The Foundry, SYC's flagship youth drop-in service.

SYC Chief Executive Officer, Jenny Hall, said the exhibition highlighted the creativity, talent and perspectives of young people.

"The exhibition is a wonderful celebration of the creativity, talent and perspectives of young people across a number of SYC programs. Through their artwork, they are sharing their stories in a way that encourages connection, understanding and conversation across our community."

"It is incredibly rewarding to see so many people come together to support these young artists. Events like this strengthen community connections, raise awareness and provide opportunities to celebrate the strengths and talents of young people."

SYC Chair Arabella Branson said the exhibition demonstrated the value of providing young people with meaningful opportunities for self-expression.

"This exhibition highlights the importance of ensuring young people have opportunities to express themselves and have their voices heard. Seeing community members, supporters and partners come together to celebrate these artists demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when young people are given a platform to share their experiences, perspectives and talents."

The exhibition will be open to the public again on Friday 21 August, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm, at The Foundry, 42-46 Carrington Street, Adelaide.