12/10/2026
On Sunday, 11 October, the Royal South Australian Society of Arts (RSASA) officially opened its RSASA Members' Spring Exhibition, marking the Society’s 170th anniversary.
The RSASA Gallery was packed with artists, members, friends, and visitors who came to celebrate. This year's exhibition features an extraordinary number of artworks. The gallery walls have probably never seen quite so many works at once! The exhibition brings together a wide range of artistic styles, subjects and media, reflecting the diversity of the Society’s membership.
170 years is a significant milestone in South Australia's art history. Founded in October 1856, the South Australian Society of Arts is Australia's oldest continuously operating art society. It held its first exhibition in March 1857 and went on to play an important role in developing art education and public art collections in South Australia. Today, RSASA continues to support local artists, providing opportunities to exhibit their work and connect with the wider community.
The Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith AM, officially opened the exhibition and presented awards to participating artists. The ceremony included numerous awards recognising artistic achievements, including the $500 President's Award for an outstanding artwork.
The anniversary was also reflected in the atmosphere of Sunday's opening. Guests were encouraged to dress up for the occasion, and many arrived in elegant, creative outfits, with some particularly interesting hats, brooches and ties. A special $100 prize for the best outfit added a fun touch to the afternoon.
The RSASA Members’ Spring Exhibition continues until 1 November 2026, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the many artworks on display.
📍 RSASA Gallery
1st Floor, Institute Building
North Terrace, Adelaide
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday: 10.30am–3.30pm
Saturday–Sunday: 1pm–4pm
Closed public holidays
Photography by Art in Adelaide
