The State Government has launched the 2025 Country Arts SA program which aims to support regional artists and bring new arts and cultural experiences to regional South Australia.


Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels launched the program at the Middleback Arts Centre in Whyalla on Tuesday.


A special highlight was the announcement the government is providing additional funding for circus company Gravity and Other Myths to bring its show 10 Thousand Hours to each of Country Arts SA’s art centres in Whyalla, Port Pirie, Renmark and Mount Gambier in 2025.


Formed by a group of young Adelaide artists in 2009, Gravity and Other Myths is one of the nation’s leading circus companies and is fresh from touring the world including having performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.


In their latest work, eight world-class acrobats demonstrate an incredible level of skill with a performance that includes visual storytelling, movement and contemporary dance.


The 2025 season also sees Country Arts SA again joining forces with other major South Australian arts organisations including the State Theatre Company South Australia, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Patch Theatre and Windmill Theatre through to individuals such as Charlee Watt from Port Lincoln, Lewis Major from Mount Gambier, and small and independent companies.


A highlight will be the stage adaptation of Looking for Alibrandi in partnership with Brink Productions and State Theatre Company South Australia.


Award-winning director Stephen Nicolazzo delivered his stage adaptation of Melina Marchetta’s iconic novel and hit film about third generation Italian teenager Josie Alibrandi to rave reviews in 2022.


This will return with many of its original cast members for a national tour that will include Country Arts centres in Whyalla, Port Pirie, Renmark and Mount Gambier and feature live passata making, traditional Italian music and a soundtrack of Australian pop classics.


The 2025 program will also showcase the work of First Nations artists in music, children’s theatre, dance and visual arts, providing opportunities for regional communities and audiences to be immersed in South Australian First Nations arts and culture.


This will include Blak Country, curated by Barkindji Songwoman Nancy Bates, which will bring First Nations country music artists to Whyalla, Port Pirie, Renmark and Mount Gambier.


Saltbush Country, curated by Port Augusta-based Wangkangurru curator and artist Marika Davies, will also continue to make its way around the state.


The exhibition will then head to Goolwa, Murray Bridge, Bordertown and Mount Gambier and explores deep family bonds, generational sharing, connection with country, journeys of personal healing, revitalisation and maintenance of cultural practices and stories about our shared history.


Visit www.countryarts.org.au/for more details about the program.