The City of Adelaide’s Contemporary Art Collection offers a window into Adelaide’s past, present and future, inviting audiences on a journey of discovery, reflection and inspiration.

Since 2010, the collection has evolved into a vibrant reflection of the city’s dynamic identity, creating and preserving our shared culture and history with over 60 artworks by 40 artists.

The Collection has its origins in 2011 when a shift in Council’s cultural stewardship saw a newly committed approach to the preservation and celebration of Adelaide’s Contemporary artistic heritage. 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. Works by 34 artists who are either based in South Australia or connected to the state through work or study will be on display throughout Adelaide Town Hall.

As we grow this collection that celebrates the richness and diversity of Adelaide’s cultural landscape, we recognise the transformative power of art. It not only reflects the world around us but also has the capacity to question, challenge, subvert, imagine and shape the world that lies ahead.