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18-Aug-2024 | Events

SALA at The Foundry 2024

As part of this year’s South Australia Living Artists (SALA) Festival, The Foundry by SYC proudly presented The Foundry After Dark, an exhibition that showcased the creativity and diverse voices of young people. This year’s event demonstrated the power of art as a medium for self-expression, reflection and social commentary.

The Foundry by SYC is a youth drop-in hub that supports individuals aged 15-25 by providing a safe, welcoming space with essential services, creative activities and programs designed to foster wellbeing, personal growth and community connection.

This year’s exhibition featured a diverse array of artworks, including paintings, photographs, musical pieces, sculptures, and written pieces, all created by talented young people who engage with us at The Foundry. SYC’s Youth Justice program participants also contributed, by crafting the exhibition stands and panels, adding a unique touch to the displays.

A participant and client of The Foundry and SYC's Independent Housing Solutions shared, “The SALA festival was an awesome opportunity for me to dive into a long-time hobby. It allowed me to create work that showcased my talents and served as a physical representation of my gratitude for the support The Foundry has given me.”

Lucy, Team Leader at The Foundry, reflected on the event's impact, “The young people who walk through our doors every day are the reason we exist. Their creativity and the relationships we build with them drive our passion and enable us to create opportunities like SALA. Through their art, we gain a deeper understanding of their lives and experiences, and we are privileged to be part of their journey.”

The success of this event highlights the dedication of our volunteers and staff. We extend a heartfelt thank you to one of our volunteers, Ciarne, whose recent departure marks the end of an era at The Foundry. Her commitment to leading our art group every Friday and consistently showing up for the young people is admirable. Making the young people feel welcome with thoughtful gestures, like making them a Milo and toast before they start the day, has left a lasting impact. We are incredibly grateful for all the hard work she’s put into The Foundry and wish her all the best.

The Foundry After Dark is more than just an exhibition. It is a celebration of creativity, growth, and the support of a community that believes in the potential of its young people. Thank you to everyone who supported and attended the event. Your involvement made it a memorable celebration of art as a powerful tool for self-expression and social change.