Bringing an intergenerational art program to our community
Face to Face is Southern Cross Care's 2025 South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival program, bringing aged care residents and school students together to form intergenerational connections through art.
The program is supported by our Community Foundation and engages residents from all of our Residential Care homes, as well as the community-based ICreate art group. The artworks will be exhibited at the Migration Museum from 1 August onwards.
Building social connection
This year Face to Face engaged Southern Cross Care residents and clients in a fun art program that was all about building connections with school students.
Through the initial meet and greet workshops, residents partnered with students to share their stories, interests, culture and important memories, then both worked on incorporating these ideas into colourful portraits.
Once the portraits were completed, the residents and students met again to reveal their artworks to each other. The genuine moments of connection throughout the program were heartwarming to see, and made a real difference for many members of our community.
The exhibition
The end product is a vibrant and diverse exhibition of 600 artworks reflecting the lives of older people including their cultures, personalities and stories.
The artworks will be on display at the Migration Museum in Adelaide from 1 August and open to the public every day from 10am to 5pm. A documentary film following the moments of connection between the students and the Southern Cross Care communities will also form part of the exhibition so that visitors can immerse themselves in the experience.
Click on the play button above to see the video.
Michele McCormack Art Prize
The Michele McCormack Art Prize for our SALA 2025 'Face to Face' Program was presented during a special event held at The Pines John Martin House.
This prize was named in honour of Michele McCormack, who was a long serving member of our board and Chair of our Foundation Committee.
We are thrilled to announce the 2025 prize winners were Anna from our 'I Create' art group, with Glenunga International High School student Maral, and Elise from Highgate School, with Caroline of Carmelite Residential Care.
Exploring Face to Face
Our SALA and Arts Manager Leah Badger was interviewed by Rory McClaren on ABC Radio about the Face to Face intergenerational art program.
Leah revealed the inspiration behind the program, the collaborative process of crafting these artworks through resident and student workshops and how it all came together!
Carmelite Residential Care residents Caroline Treloar and Lib Healy, who participated in the program, also shared their experiences of working alongside the students.Click the play button to listen to the interview.
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Smiles that say it all
Take a peek behind the scenes of Face to Face, where students, residents and volunteers came together to create something truly special. These candid moments capture the laughter, creativity and genuine bonds formed throughout the program.
