Arts

We are known for our rich artistic heritage and have public and private collections filled with early historic content and works of contemporary significance. The region's only "A" class gallery, Riddoch Art Gallery, is located in Mount Gambier and is open six days a week.

The region has a busy calendar of performing arts, with local performers as well as touring national and international performers and musicians. Mount Gambier's Sir Robert Helpmann theatre hosts a variety of performances, while local pubs, restaurants and wineries serve as popular entertainment venues.

The Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival in May is a weekend of exhibitions, performances, food and great wine. The National Limestone Sculpture Symposium is an annual event that happens in Mount Gambier each year. Sculptors come from all over the world to try their hand at creating a work of art from an anonymous block of Mount Gambier's famous Coraline Limestone.

The process for the artist starts with a visit to the quarry to select their block, which is then delivered to the arena next to the Old Jail. Then over the next week or so, the sculptors use everything from chainsaws and jackhammers to fine chisels and rasps to shape their masterpieces.