Whether you’re looking to get back to your cultural roots, learn more about the Adelaide art scene, or be inspired to create, On The Record is here to help in 2023 with a monthly guide of local events that’ll give you a head start on those resolutions. (Image: Alana Pahor)
By Alana Pahor | @Alana_Pahor
2022 has passed us by in an almost incomprehensible blur of government resignations, Will Smith memes, and crime-fighting pizza boxes.
It was a year of much turmoil, with the cost-of-living crisis, the Ukraine War, ongoing climate destruction, and the overturning of Roe V. Wade (among other events) adding additional stress to our lives.
It’s no surprise that, amidst the chaos, many of us unwittingly pushed our plans to immerse ourselves in local culture to the sidelines.
Luckily, 2023 has arrived like a breath of fresh air, bringing new opportunities and inspiring our resolutions to “get cultured,” “attend more arts events,” and “support my community.”
That’s easier said than done, though; with the Adelaide art scene as vibrant as ever this January, it’s hard to know where to begin. Fortunately, OTR’s monthly guide is here to help with a selection of local events to spark your creativity.
Visual art/film
We can vouch for the brilliance of Nalini Malani’s Gamepieces, which is showing at the Art Gallery of South Australia until January 22.
The exhibition explores imagination as a weapon against reality in a fever dream of cycloramas, experimental film, 20th century photography, and digital art.
Viewers can dig deeper into the political, mythological, and cultural views that influence Malani’s work, or simply get lost in her intense, disturbing imagery. Either way, it is a must-see for fans of conflict-inspired art.
If visual craft and design is more your style, you may be interested in JamFactory’s French Exchange and Straight from the Heart exhibitions, both showing until February 5.
French Exchange features pieces focusing on the integration of nature and the hand-made, whilst Straight from the Heart showcases traditional and contemporary craft from central Australia – both give you the opportunity to support local artists.
Expanding to the international art scene, the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery is hosting the annual C-IDEA Design Award Exhibition until January 27.
The futuristic exhibition celebrates innovative artists from around the world, featuring works across the architecture, fashion, animation, new media, and related industries that are rich in social value.
Returning a bit closer to home, Alexandra McOrist’s photographic exhibition If Walls Could Talk features images of two South Australian farmhouses built in the 1850s.
Showing at the State Library of South Australia until January 29, the exhibition’s photographs incorporate abandoned settings with newspaper clippings and remains of domestic life.
It certainly sounds intriguing – plus, it’s an excuse to visit the library’s Institute Building, which is absolutely gorgeous.
Festivals/markets
What better way to get back to your cultural roots, or learn about other cultures, than by immersing yourself in local festivals?
The much-loved Semaphore Greek Festival is returning this January after a two-year hiatus, bringing traditional dance, food and music back to the beachside.
Running from January 14 to 15, it promises to be an action-packed two days, featuring Zeus Band, DJ Apostal, and the Bank of Sydney Greek Coffee Relay, to name a few attractions.
While many of us celebrated the new year on January 1, the Lunar New Year falls on January 22 2023 … and Chinatown is celebrating with their Adelaide Lunar New Year Street Party!
For those looking to join in the festivities and welcome the year of the Rabbit, head down to Gouger Street on January 28 to experience dancing, live music, and tasty food.
Talks/plays/workshops
While the Adelaide theatre scene doesn’t ramp up until February, any readers wishing to dip their toes in early may be interested in Holden Street Theatres’ A Promenade of Shorts Season 2: A Mini Festival of Tiny Plays.
The intriguing theatre show of nine 10-minute plays leads audiences across three separate venues (and various story genres) along Holden Street, with an outside bar and entertainment provided during intervals. A Promenade of Shorts Season 2 is showing from January 12 to 21.
For those whose New Year’s Resolution for 2023 is to “be more creative,” Australian poet, publisher, and teacher Julie Wright is hosting an introductory poetry workshop at Cove Civic Centre on January 21.
The session covers useful poetic techniques and gives attendees the opportunity to workshop their own writing – and there’s tea and coffee, of course!
That should be plenty to give you a head start on those New Year’s resolutions – and keep you thoroughly entertained throughout January.
Stay tuned for next month’s edition! Until then, we wish you a safe and happy start to the new year.
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