Skywhales set to take flight across the Riverland this August
IMPORTANT EVENT UPDATE The good news: Skywhale and Skywhalepapa will now take to the skies next week, on Sunday 16 August at the Precinct Loxton, inflating from 5.30am (weather permitting). The Arts on Terrace festivities will still go ahead as planned this Sunday 9 August from 9am-1pm, with a full day of entertainment, workshops, exhibitions and skywhale-themed fun. The Skywhales Across Australia Touring Event is subject to weather conditions and changes may occur. As artist Patricia Piccinini says, ‘For me, the place where I find wonder is in nature. The weather needs to be just right for the skywhales to fly, so when they do it is even more special.’ With celebrations now spread across two weekends, there's even more to experience in Loxton. Find out more and plan your visit at: https://www.exhibitingloxtonwaikerie.com/skywhales-across-australia |
Presented by the National Gallery of Australia, Skywhales Across Australia will arrive at The Precinct at Loxton Oval on Sunday 16 August, inviting audiences to pause, look up and experience a moment of wonder, imagination and connection. As the first regional South Australian location to host the exhibition - and the only event scheduled outside of New South Wales in the 2026 touring program - the Loxton event marks a significant moment for arts and culture in the Riverland.
Councils Chief Executive Officer, David Beaton, said “the exhibition’s arrival in Loxton has been driven by Council’s Arts and Culture Officer, Simone Stretton, whose work over many months has helped bring the ambitious event to life for the region”.
The unique 90-minute experience will begin in the early hours of the morning, where visitors can witness the magic of the skywhales at sunrise. As dawn breaks, the sculptures slowly come to life through the inflation process - first with cold air, then hot - before rising from the ground and, weather permitting, floating together above the Riverland skyline.
Guests are encouraged to make a morning of it with a VIP Breakfast at The Precinct, offering exclusive front-row viewing of the launch alongside a delicious breakfast buffet, tea and coffee, and a relaxed balcony atmosphere overlooking the spectacle.
Arts on Terrace: Sky's the Limit
There's still plenty to discover in Loxton this Sunday 9 August, with Arts on Terrace: Sky’s the Limit transforming East Terrace into a vibrant celebration of creativity, colour and community from 9am to 1pm.
Loxton’s village-style main street will come alive with a program of interactive workshops, live music, exhibitions, installations and hands-on activities designed for all ages and abilities.
Inspired by Skywhales and the natural world, visitors can enjoy creative experiences including clay creations, kite decorating, painting workshops, hot air balloon craft and whimsical creature-making sessions. The day will also feature:
- Live music throughout the day featuring Rhi Armfield, Bianca Feher and Smokehouse Boys
- Five creative workshops and interactive activities celebrating imagination, creatures and the sky
- A progressive arts gallery showcasing talented local artists throughout the main street
- Interactive installations, street activities and pop-up experiences
- Family-friendly activities at the Loxton Library, including Skywhale-themed colouring competitions, search-and-find challenges and displays
- Special Sunday trading from local retailers
- Delicious food, coffee and hospitality offerings throughout the town centre
With East Terrace closed to traffic for the morning, visitors can wander, explore and immerse themselves in a creative hub celebrating local talent and community spirit.
Please note: balloon flights are weather dependent. In the event of unsuitable conditions, the launch may be tethered or postponed. Free registration is encouraged to help organisers provide important weather and event updates to attendees.
For registrations, VIP Breakfast tickets and full event details, visit: https://exhibitingloxtonwaikerie.com/skywhales-across-australia
Comments attributable to Patricia Piccinini, artist:
“Skywhales Across Australia is a project that talks about nature, family, evolution, care and wonder. The skywhales float into our lives to make us smile and think. Remember to look up. Among the amazing creatures that fill the sky, one day you might just see a skywhale too.”
With flights dependent on weather conditions, Piccinini noted this is one of the extraordinary elements of having the rare opportunity to witness the skywhales in flight;
“One of the best – and worst – things about this project is that we can only fly if nature allows us. We have to have the perfect conditions, it's one of the few situations in life when human beings can't force the world into giving us what we want. But when nature does allow it, it is all the more wonderful.”
“The skywhales have become a part of our country’s contemporary culture. With touring initiatives such as Skywhales Across Australia, we can connect with all Australians and elevate the role art can play in our lives."
Comments attributable to Mayor Trevor Norton:
“Skywhales Across Australia is an extraordinary opportunity for our region to host a world-renowned public art experience that brings people together through creativity, imagination and shared wonder. As the first regional South Australian location to host the exhibition, it is a significant and exciting moment for our community and the broader Riverland region.
What makes this event especially exciting is the way our community has embraced the experience, building a full day of creativity and celebration around the skywhales through Arts on Terrace, local workshops, exhibitions and family activities. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to support and showcase our local arts and culture scene while welcoming visitors to experience everything Loxton and the Riverland have to offer.”