YP art festival breaks new ground

YORKE Peninsula’s premier arts event will be transformed in 2023 as GROUNDED YP Art Festival replaces the former YP Art Exhibition.

The Yorke Peninsula Council Arts and Culture Working Group is excited to announce the rebranded 10-day event which will feature the original exhibitions plus a range of added festivities.

The festival will be held across the peninsula from Friday, 11 August, to Sunday, 20 August, having previously been held during Easter.

“We recognise that 2023 offers Guuranda (Yorke Peninsula) the opportunity to utilise the growing popularity of experience-based tourism to attract visitors in August, a traditionally slower time for visitation,” Yorke Peninsula Council Arts and Cultural Facilitator Sonya Rankine said.

“Our August-based festival will be part of the renowned and celebrated state-wide South Australia Living Artists Festival.

“GROUNDED replaces the Easter YP Art Exhibition and will offer music, dance, performing arts, First Nations Narungga food, art and culture, artisan foods, beverages, products and more.”

Ms Rankine said the traditional exhibitions, offering prizes in fine art, sculpture and photography held in Ardrossan, Yorketown and Edithburgh, will continue and entries are encouraged via the website.

“Why GROUNDED, and what is the purpose of curating an arts festival for the people and visitors of Yorke Peninsula?” Ms Rankine asked.

“Yorke Peninsula’s ground is ancient, significant, and productive, shack owners escape to the peninsula as it has a grounding and calming effect on one’s mood.

“The community sets its roots in the peninsula’s ground and works hard to produce excellent things for our people.

“Art is often healing, inclusive and ground-breaking, and it keeps us grounded.”

Ms Rankine said the aim of the festival is to inspire and grow the celebration of the arts on the peninsula by nurturing creatives, traditional owners the Narungga People, residents, and shack owners.

“By offering numerous platforms for important storytelling and expression, we can connect with our visitors,” she said.

Become a partner

There are many sponsorship and collaboration opportunities available throughout GROUNDED.

All sponsors will enjoy a range of benefits.

It is intended GROUNDED will take the traditional art exhibition to a whole new level, attract winter tourism, create a real source of community pride, celebrate Yorke Peninsula’s past and present, and quickly become a signature event on the state’s SALA calendar.

To find out more call Sonya on 0491 086 854. Alternatively, email [email protected] or visit www.ypart.com.au.