Assembly: Unveiling the City of Adelaide Contemporary Art Collection 2010-2024
Introduction
The City of Adelaide is the custodian of a distinctive array of items integral to our cultural and social heritage, including a wide assortment of historic memorabilia, artefacts, mayoral portraits and other items accumulated by successive councils since 1853. These treasures enrich the corridors and meeting rooms of the Adelaide Town Hall, while commemorative statues, memorials and monuments take pride of place in key locations across the City and North Adelaide.
The genesis of the City of Adelaide Contemporary Art Collection, illustrated in this publication, can be traced to the Council’s City Arts and Living Culture Strategy, 2003–2007, which included as an action: A review of Council’s acquisitions policy to enable the inclusion and purchase of contemporary artworks by South Australian artists would enable these works to be part of the collection on display in civic buildings, thus showcasing local creative ability.
Through deliberate acquisitions and strategic partnerships, the collection has continued to grow as a vibrant testament to the city’s artistic vitality, embracing diverse voices, themes and mediums. From traditional painting and photography to textiles and cutting-edge digital installations, the collection reflects the dynamic evolution of artistic practice in Adelaide.
The Contemporary Art Collection’s expansion originates from a shift in 2011 in the City of Adelaide’s cultural stewardship, as it transitioned from irregular acquisitions to a purposeful endeavour to preserve and celebrate Adelaide’s contemporary artistic heritage. Today, the collection boasts more than 60 artworks by 40 artists who are either based in South Australia or affiliated with the state through work or study.
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HEADER IMAGE: JAMES TYLOR, (ERASED SCENES) FROM AN UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPE #13, 2014
INKJET PRINT ON HAHNEMÜHLE PAPER, BLACK VELVET. IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND N. SMITH GALLERY