ArtEyrea: Fostering community through art
What started as a place for local artists and makers to gather has become an important source of community and support for many Port Lincoln locals.
Recognisable by its unique Fish on a Bike sculpture, ArtEyrea is a Council-owned workshop and gallery space that is home to several local arts and crafts groups, including the Port Lincoln Art Group, The Port Lincoln Textiles, Quilting & Fibre Group, the Port Lincoln City Band, and the Eyre Arts Action. These groups all meet regularly at ArtEyrea and between them enjoy a wide variety of artistic endeavours, ranging from quilting to painting to pottery.
Cathy Bailey, Eyre Arts Action’s Deputy Chair, describes the group’s mission as “taking art to the community.”
“We want to ensure that art is accessible to everyone in Port Lincoln – both those interested in participating and learning new skills, and those who simply enjoy seeing art around our city,” says Cathy.
Jenni Wilson, Vice President of the Port Lincoln Art Group, emphasises that the value of these groups extends well beyond making art.
“These groups foster a really important sense of community and connection,” says Jenni.
“When I first retired in Port Lincoln, I didn’t know anyone – and the Art Group came to my rescue! I’ve been lucky to make so many friends through this group and through having a place to regularly catch up and connect with people.”
“We share more than just our art – we share our stories, laughs, learnings.”
Beth Hammond, President of the Port Lincoln Art Group, agrees that this is one of the most important aspects of these groups.
“We have a lot of older members in our groups who live alone, and Art Group is an anchor point for their week, giving them a regular time and place to connect with friends, or meet new people – it’s good for wellbeing,” says Beth.
“I believe that the creative outlet and the community we offer our members are incredibly important to supporting their mental health.”
Group members speak equally highly of the ArtEyrea building itself.
“We love our space here at ArtEyrea, it’s invaluable to have a home base where we can all gather regularly,” says Beth.
“Many years ago, the Art Group had to travel to different locations, some were full of dust or didn’t have basic amenities – wherever we could get. We are incredibly grateful to now have a beautiful space like ArtEyrea that we can rely on.”
The City of Port Lincoln Council owns and maintains the ArtEyrea building, offering affordable long-term hire arrangements to regular users such as our local arts groups.
Re-opened in 2023 after a refurbishment, the light-filled building offers modern amenities and a versatile space for regular gatherings, storage, workshops and exhibitions.
“We often have out-of-town visitors comment on how lucky we are to have such a beautiful place to work on and display our art!” says Jenni.
Council is proud to offer ArtEyrea as an affordable, versatile community space. Learn more about ArtEyrea and the various groups that call it home on our website: portlincoln.sa.gov.au/community/arteyrea
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MEDIA CONTACT:
City of Port Lincoln Chief Executive Officer Eric Brown
Ph: 8621 2325 | Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au
