What Is the Salvaged Art Exhibition?
The Salvaged Art Exhibition is a community event run by Kingborough Council in Southern Tasmania. It invites people of all ages to create artworks using recycled, reused, or repurposed materials. From school students to professional artists, everyone is welcome to take part. The goal is to highlight both creativity and sustainability.
The 2023 Theme: Health and Wellbeing
In 2023, the exhibition focused on the theme of “Health and Wellbeing.” Artists were encouraged to reflect on what brings them joy, peace, or connection—using salvaged materials. This powerful theme added meaning to the artworks and showed how art can help support mental and emotional wellbeing.
Workshops That Inspire
As part of the event, local artists and facilitators ran hands-on workshops. One example was the Salvaged Wearable Art session held at the KIN Creative Space. Participants used materials like fabric offcuts, beads, buttons, and found objects to create unique jewellery or wearable sculptures. These workshops help teach practical art skills while showing how everyday waste can become beautiful, personal, and expressive.
A Community Event for All Ages
The Salvaged Art Exhibition includes a wide range of entries:
- Children and teens from local schools
- Amateur and professional artists
- Seniors and community groups
There are prizes for each category, including People’s Choice and School Awards. But more importantly, it’s a chance for locals to share their stories through art and connect with others in the region.
How This Supports Art and Craft Education
This exhibition shows how art and craft education can go beyond technique. It encourages:
- Creative reuse and environmental awareness
- Community participation and social connection
- Personal expression around themes of wellbeing
Local workshops and classes can use this model to teach both practical skills and meaningful storytelling. It also gives participants a real opportunity to display their work in a public exhibition.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a teacher, artist, parent, or creative beginner, you can get involved by:
- Attending workshops offered by local studios or community centres
- Creating your own recycled art at home or in the classroom
- Submitting an entry to the next Salvaged Art Exhibition hosted by Kingborough Council
For more information, visit: kingborough.tas.gov.au