New gallery takes flight

THE District Council of Grant and the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre unveiled the inaugural exhibition Flight Mode at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport’s new gallery this week.

The creation of the ‘The Hangar Gallery’ at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport marks a new chapter in the activation of the unique space, serving as an engaging cultural hub, blending art with the dynamic environment of the airport.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the launch of The Hangar Gallery was a significant attraction for our community, not only enhancing our cultural landscape but transforming the Mount Gambier Regional Airport into a vibrant space that welcomes both travellers and locals alike.

“We are celebrating our region’s rich natural heritage and the spirit of travel, creating a unique opportunity for art to engage visitors from the moment they arrive,” Mayor Boston said.

Flight Mode blurs the lines between the imagined and the real, bringing together iconic South Australian artists such as Barrie Goddard with his super-panoramic collage Southern Mount Schank, and Neil Frazer’s evocative Side Shadow.

These works take audiences on a sensory journey through the Limestone Coast, blending memory, history, and nature into a dreamscape seen from above.

Riddoch Art & Cultural Centre Curator Chris Clements said this unique showcase draws from The Riddoch Art & Cultural Centre’s collection of artworks to welcome and bid farewell to travellers, telling a story of Mount Gambier’s natural surroundings while reflecting on the sense of journey from one place or state to another.

“We wanted to offer something truly special for travellers passing through this important gateway to the region,” Mr Clements said. “By showcasing works that reflect the beauty and uniqueness of the Limestone Coast, we’re not only celebrating our local artists, but also creating a sense of connection for travellers who can pause, reflect, and feel at home in this landscape.”

Flight Mode will be on display at The Hangar Gallery at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport until Sunday, August 17.

For more information on the exhibition visit www.theriddoch.com.au