The 2025 SALA Awards acknowledged the breadth and depth of the state’s creative community. From emerging names to established artists, here’s a snapshot of this year’s standout winners:
City of Adelaide Award
Cynthia Schwertsik received the honour for her exhibition ‘Green Wash’. This award recognises work that engages with the City of Adelaide. Cynthia takes home $5,000 and will feature in a public program with the City in 2026.
The Advertiser’s Contemporary Art Award
Awarded to the most outstanding work across any medium, this year’s $5,000 prize went to Carolyn Corletto for her provocatively titled piece ‘Seriously they are just boobs’.
City Rural Emerging Artist Award
Amanda Seacombe took out this accolade, designed to support artists with under five years’ professional experience. Amanda received a $2,500 cash prize.
Inspiring SA Science in Art Award
Recognising artistic engagement with STEMM themes, this year’s winner was Peter Syndicas for ‘Early Life Forms’, awarded $2,500.
City of Unley Active Ageing Award
A special recognition for artists aged 60 and over, this award went to Sally Parnis for her work in ‘Heart Place’. Sally received $2,000 and will exhibit at Hughes Gallery during SALA 2026.
Don Dunstan Foundation Award
Celebrating work exploring social justice, Dave Laslett was honoured with this award and a $2,000 prize for his exhibition ‘Land Works’.
Whittles Body Corporate Management Services Venue Award
This award recognises non-traditional venues supporting artists. The metropolitan winner was The Old School Community Garden in Stirling, and the regional winner was The Old General Store in Koolunga – both receiving $2,000.
Guildhouse Artist’s Choice Award
Open to artists of all levels, this year’s recipient was Tom Buchanan, who won a 12-month Guildhouse Accredited Membership and a combined $1,500 cash and membership package.
SALA In Lights Award
Tony Kearney was chosen to have his work projected on a CBD wall after dark during SALA 2026, thanks to Novatech. The prize is valued at $10,000, with an additional $2,500 in cash and a $2,500 Foodland in-store credit, plus digital displays across Foodland stores statewide.
Looking Ahead: A focus on Troy-Anthony Baylis
The festival also announced Troy-Anthony Baylis as the 2025 Featured Artist, and the subject of the 2026 Australian Living Artists Publication, to be written by Sacha Grbich and Tikari Rigney.
A proudly Jawoyn and Irish artist based in Adelaide, Baylis is known for his work across painting, textiles, performance and installation art – with a focus on queering traditional portrayals of Aboriginality. His career spans more than three decades, with exhibitions and performances across Australia and internationally.
From community gardens to city walls, experimental installations to powerful reflections on identity, this year’s SALA Festival has proven that creativity knows no bounds – or age limits.
Images: Sam Roberts
