The Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre

18/06/2026

A morning of art, creativity, and connection awaits.
Three reasons to visit the Riddoch this Saturday 20 June 2026

— In conversation Peter Adsett & Tansy Curtin – 10:30am

— In conversation Damien Shen & Andrew Purvis – 11:45am

— Craitbul and Volcano Screening – 12:30pm

Free events, big ideas, and plenty to inspire.

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Images:
Craitbul and Volcano movie,Luke McKenzie, IMDbPro
Damien Shen, My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club, 2025. Courtesy of the artist and Mars Gallery, photograph by Piri Eddy
Peter Adsett. Image courtesy of artist

18/06/2026

Join artist Damien Shen in conversation with Andrew Purvis, Director of Adelaide Central School of Art, as they explore the stories, relationships and cultural connections behind Shen’s exhibition My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club. Facilitated by Riddoch Curator Chris Clements, this special event invites audiences to gain deeper insight into Shen’s practice and the personal narratives that inform the work.

In Conversation: Damien Shen and Andrew Purvis
11:45am Saturday 20 June 2026
Free to attend, bookings essential

https://mountgambier-events.bookable.net.au/ #!/event-detail/InConversationDamienShen

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Image: Damien Shen, My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club, 2025. Courtesy of the artist and Mars Gallery, photograph by Piri Eddy

17/06/2026

Join acclaimed artist Peter Adsett in conversation with Art Gallery of South Australia Assistant Director, Artistic and Collection Programs, Tansy Curtin, as they explore the themes and ideas behind the exhibition Two Laws One Big Spirit. Riddoch Curator Chris Clements will facilitate this rich and engaging conversation as Peter and Tansy share the insight behind this shared exhibition series.

In Conversation: Peter Adsett and Tansy Curtin -
10:30am Saturday 20 June 2026
Free to attend- bookings essential

https://mountgambier-events.bookable.net.au/ #!/event-detail/InconversationPeterAdsett

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This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Art Gallery of South Australia and supported by Metal Manufacturers Electrical Merchandising.

Image left: Rusty Peters, Gija people, Western Australia, Different Languages for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People from the series 'Two Laws One Big Spirit', 2000, earth pigments on linen.
© Rusty Peters / Copyright Agency 2025
Image right: Peter Adsett, Painting number 8, from the series Two Laws One Big Spirit, 2000, synthetic polymer paint on linen. © Peter Adsett
Gift of GRANTPIRRIE through the Art Gallery of South Australia Contemporary Collectors, 2024. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program. Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide

16/06/2026

You’re invited to our exhibition opening 5:30pm Friday 19 June — RSVP

https://mountgambier-events.bookable.net.au/ #!/event-detail/ExhibitionOpening19June2026

Explore a season of bold ideas and creative expression at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre this winter. From 20 June – 16 August 2026, we open our doors to four exhibitions launching across the galleries.

Two Laws One Big Spirit - Peter Adsett and Rusty Peters

My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club - Damien Shen

Speak Up! - Thumbprint Collective

50 Years of Deadly - NAIDOC Posters

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Image1: Damien Shen, My Cuzzy Nate and the 654 Club, 2025. Courtesy of the artist and Mars Gallery, photograph by Piri Eddy
Image 2: Image left: Rusty Peters, Gija people, Western Australia, Different Languages for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People from the series 'Two Laws One Big Spirit' 2000, earth pigments on linen.
© Rusty Peters / Copyright Agency 2025
Image right: Peter Adsett, Painting number 8, from the series Two Laws One Big Spirit, 2000, synthetic polymer paint on linen. © Peter Adsett
Gift of GRANTPIRRIE through the Art Gallery of South Australia Contemporary Collectors 2024. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program. Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide
Image 3: Barbara Hanrahan, Flying Mother, 1976, screenprint. Riddoch Art Collection
Image 4: ‘The 2026 National NAIDOC Poster incorporating the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag (licensed by the Torres Strait Island Council).

10/06/2026

"Traversing the rise of second-wave feminism, Catherine Dwyer's documentary is an important contribution to an overlooked past." — Kath Kenny, The Guardian.

Join us for our next instalment of our Art Meets Film series
Brazen Hussies — 5:30pm Thursday 11 June 2026
At the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre

BOOK ONLINE — Link in bio

03/06/2026

Join us for our next instalment of Art Meets Film series
Brazen Hussies — 5:30pm Thursday 11 June 2026.
At the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre.

Brazen Hussies reveals a revolutionary chapter in Australian history, the Women's Liberation Movement (1965 - 1975). Interweaving freshly uncovered archival footage, personal photos, memorabilia, and lively personal accounts from activists, BRAZEN HUSSIES shows us how a daring and diverse group of women joined forces to defy the status quo, demand equality, and create profound social change.
Brazen Hussies - Official Trailer:

Streaming now on : https://www.docplay.com/shows/brazen-hus...

02/06/2026

Artist Spotlight // SEAS Open Art Awards Exhibition

Rachel Clayfield is a 29-year-old Mount Gambier–based oil painter whose introspective art playfully explores themes of nostalgia and the mundanities of life. Rachel presented her first solo exhibition, titled From Where I’d Rather Be, in 2024. She was awarded Local Winner of the Poets of Penola Art Prize in 2025 for her painting, Weary. Weary was also selected as a finalist in the Smallacombe Self Portrait Art Prize and exhibited at Gallery One in Mitcham.

See Rachel’s work No Worries (2025), an oil painting featured in the SEAS Open Art Exhibition. The work is an 8” x 8” portrait of her nephew, George.

“For me, the painting is about the limited time that a child is young enough to be strapped to a parent, with not a care in the world. I usually work on a larger scale, but I was inspired by Trudi Harley’s 'Prospective Self Portrait', which was on display at the 2025 Smallacombe Self Portrait Art Prize. The piece was so small and intricate—around 5” x 5”—making a real statement against the surrounding larger works. Seeing it reminded me that good art isn’t always large scale, and a small piece can hold just as much power.” — Rachel Clayfield

Final days of the SEAS Open Art Awards Exhibition, on view until 8 June 2026.

OPEN DAILY | FREE ENTRY

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Images:

No Worries (2025), oil painting, SEAS Open Art Exhibition
Rachel Clayfield, images courtesy of the artist

29/05/2026

We welcomed students from Nangwarry Primary School to the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre.

During their visit, students explored our exhibitions on a guided tour, discovering the stories behind the artworks of the South East Art Society Open Art Awards.
They then got hands-on in a mixed media portrait workshop, exploring new techniques and bringing their ideas to life.

It’s always a pleasure to support young people in connecting with art, culture, and creativity in our community. Get in touch with our Public Programs Officer to discuss options.

25/05/2026

See Mary Daily's - Have you ever been down to my Countree?

Mary Daily lived and worked as a ceramicist from her farm in Lake Mundi, Victoria in the early 1980s when she worked firing the kilns at T.A.F.E Mount Gambier. Her works remain as significant and celebrated pieces within the South East Art Society Collection.
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Image: Mary Daily - Have you ever been down to my Countree? Ceramic, No date, Installation view from the South East Art Society Collection, Open Art Awards exhibition.

22/05/2026

Step into a living legacy...
This year, The Riddoch proudly hosts the South East Art Society Open Art Awards, celebrating over 60 years of supporting and showcasing local artists across the Limestone Coast.
Walk through history as you explore a dynamic exhibition featuring the Society's collection, works from the Riddoch Collection, and new pieces. The exhibition honours both emerging creativity and the rich artistic legacy of our region.

SEAS Open Art Awards Exhibition
9 May - 8 June 2026

OPEN DAILY | FREE ENTRY
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Image: A selection of works from South East Art Society Open Art Awards exhibition.