Opening Celebrations – Future Studios: 2026

Future Studios: 2026 presents a group exhibition featuring the creative practices of 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 painting, sculpture, 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. 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. – Hero image: 'Future Studios: 2026' Kristal Matthews Workshop, (2026), workshop documentation, Adelaide Contemporary Experimental. Photography by Lana Adams Future Studios is supported by the Department for Education.