Opening Celebrations – Future Studios: 2026
Please join us to celebrate the opening of Future Studios: 2026!
Adelaide Contemporary Experimental
17 October 2026
12:00pm to 2:00pm
Future Studios: 2026 presents a group exhibition featuring the creative practices of nine First Nations students from Years 10 to 12. Over the course of an intensive week at ACE, these young artists experienced life as practicing studio artists, developing their skills and ideas in a professional environment. They took part in a diverse range of workshops led by contemporary practitioners Bryce Cawte, Kristal Matthews, Thomas Readett, and Lara Tilbrook. The exhibition explores their approaches to sculpture, painting, ceramics, weaving, and installation.
Featuring works by nine emerging First Nations artists: Mia Smith Ballard, Maeve Bishop, Zerah Coleman, Taylah David-Mabura, Nicole Evans, Joey Karpany, Kyrell Miller, Kirene Newchurch, and Tyra Wakfield.
Through this program, participants built an understanding of studio-based practice and the day-to-day realities of working as an artist. They collaborated with one another, alongside established and emerging creatives, within ACE’s professional studio setting, a leading independent hub for contemporary visual art in South Australia.
Feature Image: 'Future Studios: 2026' Kristal Matthews Workshop, (2026), workshop documentation, Adelaide Contemporary Experimental. Photography by Lana Adams
Curator
Artists
Workshop Artists
ACE Future Studios is a free initiative offering fully supported, city-based studios to a cohort of young First Nations South Australian artists. Across a one-week intensive residency and year-long mentoring, the program fosters creativity, professional insight, and practical skills with guidance from mentor artists and ACE staff. This unique opportunity provides participants with first-hand experience of professional studio practice and the networks to support their future creative pathways.
Future Studios is supported by the Department for Education.
