Image: Studio visit with Leith Semmens, Intersection regional tour 2024, photograph Lana Adams.
Guildhouse and Country Arts SA are thrilled to announce the second iteration of the regional artist professional development program, Intersection. The 2025 program will connect with regional artists in Spencer Gulf, Kangaroo Island, Clare Valley & Burra, and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong.
Intersection has been designed specifically for visual artists, craftspeople, designers, and creatives at all career levels in regional South Australia. It is delivered by Guildhouse in partnership and collaboration with Country Arts SA and supported by the Adés Family Foundation.
The program aims to combat the isolation and barriers that often accompany regional and remote arts practice by offering tailored advice and engagement via studio visits, 1:1 meetings and community events.
The bespoke initiative draws on the knowledge and expertise of both Guildhouse and Country Arts SA to help connect regional artists to new opportunities and build sustainable careers.
Launched in 2024, Intersection has already visited artists in the Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Riverland and Limestone Coast, meeting with 126 regional creatives. With ongoing and deepening relationships formed, we were thrilled to learn from recent participants;
“As a regional artist I do not have the connection and networking opportunities as artist in metropolitan regions. I feel studio visits are a great way to connect and chat first hand with Guildhouse and Country Arts SA;I found the studio visit to be valuable to my practice. The information shared will assist in developing my practice further, allowing more opportunities within the arts.” Jo Fife (Limestone Coast)
“It was great that Guildhouse and Country Arts SA came out to my studio, understood exactly what I was doing, were excited and offered lots of help.” Trudy Tandberg (Limestone Coast)
This second iteration will launch in the Spencer Gulf, with creatives in Whyalla, Port Augusta, and surrounding areas from 8th to the 11th of April. Kangaroo Island, Clare Valley & Burra, and the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong will follow across the year.
Guildhouse CEO Beth Neate emphasised the importance of the program for the regional communities.
“There is a depth and breadth of artistic talent in our regions, but we know that many regional and remote artists experience barriers accessing services, networks, audiences and professional opportunities.
As an artist-led organisation, we are committed to meeting the needs of artists where they are at and sharing relevant and up-to-date advice that can increase an artist’s capacity, confidence and connectivity. From discussing their artistic practice, to answering questions about creative business planning, to making key introductions, the Intersection tour helps to open-up conversations, build relationships and activate communities of artistic peers in our regions.
We sincerely thank The Adés Family Foundation for their ongoing support and our partner Country Arts SA, for their collaboration on this hugely impactful program.”
Country Arts SA Visual Arts Manager Lauren Mustillo said Intersection both celebrates the experience and acknowledges the challenges of living in regional SA.
“We’ve learnt that isolation in all its diverse forms is a constant challenge for regional artists, but it can also be a strength. The places artists live and work can inform their artwork and feed research and storytelling that is completely unique to them.
It was important for us to visit artists on their home turf to understand their experience and flip the script on the idea you need to come to the city to access advice and professional opportunities. We’ve met artists on the banks of the Murray, in orange orchards, by the ocean, in sheds and home studios, and seen what makes them tick and what inspires them.”
At each main stop, a community event is held to foster new connections and allow networking between regional creatives. The events also feature an artist talk from a local sharing their insights and lived experiences working as a regional artist.
Via Expressions of Interest, artists can book studio visits – a free meeting with Guildhouse and Country Arts SA staff to receive support for their individual art practice.
To register your interest in an Intersection Studio Visit:
- Spencer Gulf – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9ZSPGNZ
- Kangaroo Island – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVDZ6T3
- Clare Valley & Burra – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9ZRFVB6
- Murray River, Lakes & Coorong – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LVDBWCC
Intersection is delivered as a collaboration and partnership between Guildhouse and Country Arts SA with principal support from the Adés Family Foundation
2025 Tour Dates:
- Spencer Gulf: 8th – 11th April
- Kangaroo Island: 21st – 24th May
- Clare Valley & Burra: 17th – 20th September
- Murray River, Lakes & Coorong: 22nd – 25th October
