From 1 to 15 August, Burnside Village will be home to Face to Face, a one-of-a-kind exhibition as part of the 2025 SALA Festival. It’s a celebration of art made by different generations — kids, teens and older adults — who came together to learn from one another and create something amazing.
The artworks started as simple black and white portraits. But thanks to a little imagination and teamwork, they’ve been transformed into bright, bold masterpieces using all kinds of fun mixed media materials.
The project was led by Southern Cross Care, who paired up their residents and clients with local students to make more than 600 artworks. These pieces tell personal stories about older people’s lives, cultures, and personalities — showing just how powerful creativity can be when shared across generations.
Shoppers and visitors at Burnside Village will be able to check out a special selection of these artworks for free.
Jodie Kannane, General Manager at Burnside Village, says this exhibition is something truly meaningful.
“Face to Face truly embodies the spirit of community and the transformative power of art. It’s an honour to provide a public space for these beautiful works, which tell compelling tales of connection across generations, and we encourage everyone to visit and witness this wonderful collaboration.”
For many of the older artists, the chance to share their memories and create art with students was a major highlight.
“This year, the intergenerational element of the project has had such a positive impact for so many of our residents and clients,” says Southern Cross Care CEO David Moran.
“It has been a privilege to see their faces light up when they see the students enter the room and hear the heartwarming conversations they share.
The Face to Face exhibition is part of Burnside Village’s commitment to supporting local creatives and bringing the community together through meaningful events — and this one’s sure to inspire kids and adults alike.
Check out the Face to Face exhibition at Burnside Village (447 Portrush Rd, Glenside) & Migration Museum (82 Kintore Ave, Adelaide), from 1 to 15 August.