Hither & Yon has always been attracted to the arts’ scene, and reciprocally we have often noticed a natural connection coming from it. We couldn’t be happier when SALA selected us as their official wine partner for this year’s edition of the Festival.
As you know, 2020 has been very challenging, particularly for public events.SALA did a brilliant job in responding to this challenge and adapting every step of the way, as restrictions toughened or eased. The festival was a great success, allowing for SALA to trail a new way of exhibiting art: the possibility for venues and artists to showcase their participation online on top or in substitution of ‘real life’ exhibitions. You can read more about this “hybrid” version of the festival here.
Hither & Yon Team at SALA Festival Opening Night. Photo courtesy of SALA
Here is what Mal had to say about the venues:
"Our alignment with SALA and being sponsor for this award was highlighted in the 100 Barossa Artists exhibition. Encouraging community involvement, art for all, emerging talent prospects, future pathways was evident. We are also happy that this was a regional winner, involving space and town activation, and showing innovation for a potential future use of the venue, sensitive to the environment."
She Is Pop-up Gallery was successful as it drew in both artists and members of the community. This venue put forward the diverse stories of its 100 Barossa Artists and became advocates for arts in the region. It encouraged local actors to be fully involved in the exhibition, making the impact of this venture ongoing for Barossa artists and the whole community.
The second venue, Collective Haunt went above and beyond to support exhibitors and made the most of exhibition opportunities for artists in a difficult climate:
"Collective Haunt showed for us the true spirit of SALA, a real passion for their artists shone through, going way over and above their normal program. This exhibition also brought in another very important element for us, which is making SALA very welcome for visitors and having artists active all of the time, showing diversity and personality, and giving back at all levels, through media and artist support."
Both winners received a prize consisting of $1,000 each. It was a difficult decision with so many outstanding entries and together with the panel we were impressed by the many ways that venues acted to support the artists exhibiting in their spaces, the innovations, and community engagement.
Mal's speech at SALA Festival opening evening, Art Gallery of South Austraila, 31/07/2020
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Of course, we also hosted a SALA exhibition in our Willunga Cellar Door. Three young talented South Australian artists were able to showcase their work:
Chris Edser, illustrator and animator;
Ben Dowie, cinematographer and owner of Beanpole Production;
and Llewelyn Ash, glassblower.
We also took the opportunity to hang our 30 labels around our cellar door and
let us tell you they look SO good in here! Come check it out, they’re still on our walls 😊
What do we pick up from this first year with SALA?
Only good things. We are extremely happy with how our partnership turned out and we feel lucky to count SALA as a new partner in the art world. We are excited for another year with their team and want to particularly thank Kate Moskwa, CEO and Katya Fedyk, Development Coordinator for their tremendous help and great involvement in making us feel part of the Festival.
Next year will be different again and we can’t wait to continue our support.
Collective Haunt & She Is Pop Up, winners of the Hither & Yon Venue Award
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