Pocket Galleries Coming to Waikerie
Described as “tiny galleries for little artworks - with a big impact” by creator Di Caught of The Colour Manifesto, Pocket Galleries are small, shoebox-sized homes for artwork designed to be installed throughout communities. They provide artists, schools, community groups and history groups with a unique opportunity to share stories and creative expression in everyday public spaces.
Following successful installations across Adelaide, Council proudly launched the first regional pilot of Pocket Galleries in Loxton. Resulting in strong community engagement, positive feedback and enthusiastic participation, the program is now expanding, with six Pocket Galleries proposed for Waikerie.
Planned locations include the Waikerie Library and Visitor Information Centre, extending throughout McCoy Street and down to the Waikerie Riverfront. The galleries are designed to encourage exploration of the township, inviting locals and visitors to engage with the district’s rich history and the talented creatives who call the Riverland home.
To help shape the Waikerie rollout, Council is seeking community feedback on the Pocket Galleries program. Feedback will help determine community sentiment, preferred locations and the style of galleries installed. Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts via Council’s online engagement platform, Shaping Loxton Waikerie.
Information about Pocket Galleries, including locations, current exhibitions and featured artists, is available via Council’s arts and culture website, Exhibiting: Loxton Waikerie. Community feedback is open until 5pm Friday 6 February 2026 via https://engagement.lwdc.sa.gov.au/pocket-galleries.
Local artists will also have the opportunity to participate in the first Waikerie exhibition by booking tickets to the River Fringe event Comfort Zone by Saskia and Shadow, held on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Tickets are available via: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/comfort-zone-af2026
“The expansion of Pocket Galleries into Waikerie reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to arts, culture and community storytelling. Pocket Galleries offer a creative and accessible way for our community to share stories, celebrate local talent and invite people to experience our town in a new way. We encourage residents, artists and visitors to get involved, share their feedback and help shape how this exciting initiative comes to life in Waikerie.”
- Mayor Trevor Norton
“Pocket Galleries bring visual art into the rhythm of everyday life, transforming small spaces into powerful places for storytelling. The tiny galleries invite curiosity, encourage connection, and make art accessible to everyone — celebrating local creativity and the stories that shape our community. We are so excited to be bringing them to Waikerie and can’t wait to hear the perspectives of Waikerie locals as we decide the colour of the galleries and their locations.”
- Arts and Culture Officer, Simone Stretton