After numerous successful collaborations in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Parramatta, Deloitte have enlisted Art Pharmacy to curate a distinctive and bespoke art collection for their new offices in Adelaide’s Festival Tower.
This project centred on reflecting Deloitte’s core values of innovation, adaptability, sustainability, inclusivity, and open-mindedness. Art Pharmacy crafted an art narrative that celebrates the unique stories and essence of Adelaide through local artist commissions and collaborations with Adelaide’s galleries. Ultimately, this collection aims to reflect the various facets of contemporary Adelaide through four main themes of: celebration, innovation, community, connection, and pride.
The collection features eight artists, each bringing unique qualities that align with the art narrative and the spirit of contemporary Adelaide: Amy Joy Watson, Leanne Mulgo, Sam Gold, Annelise Forster, Sandra Pumani, Lisa Khan, Naomi Kantjurinyi and Trent Parke. Showcasing a diverse range of techniques and storytelling, the collection highlights Deloitte’s commitment to championing the distinctiveness of Adelaide’s art and cultural landscape.
Through their work, the selected artists bring eclectic stories and perspectives to life, reflecting Adelaide’s rich cultural tapestry.
Amy Joy Watson’s Super Natural Geologies embodies innovation and pride, reimagining utopian landscapes inspired by the ancient geology of Arkaroola. Akaroola is said to hold the earliest examples of life on earth, with significant geological features of both national and international importance. This ancient landscape offers insight into Australia’s early geological history. Amy Joy Watson’s shimmering embroideries add depth and texture to the space, linking Adelaide’s rich past to contemporary narratives and instilling a sense of local heritage pride. In a different yet equally evocative way, Adelaide-based Trent Parke draws on his roots in Newcastle’s industrial landscape and explores themes of life, death, memory, and resilience. His cinematic storytelling transforms Deloitte’s spaces into reflective environments that celebrate identity, culture, and human journeys.
Through Peachy, peachy, peachy! Sam Gold engages viewers by peeling back the layers of personal and collective experience, tapping into a shared sense of community and connection. Their transpersonal, material-driven sculpture shares a space with Annelise Forster’s Aliwaynuaynu, with Forster’s work capturing the vibrancy and interconnectedness of APY Lands through bold colours and expressive forms. Both works are in dialogue with one another by embodying authentic human connections and inviting the viewer to engage with diverse lived experiences and cultural celebration.
Art Pharmacy and Deloitte share a deep commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of First Nations artists, amplifying their voices and cultural heritage through art. The collection at Deloitte Adelaide was made up of 45% First Nations artists. Sandra Pumani, with Maku Tjukurpa, offers a deeply rooted depiction of sacred songlines and cultural sites from her upbringing. Her art honours traditional women’s practices, preserving spiritual heritage and serves as a visual reminder of the importance of these storylines when teaching the next generation. Similarly, Lisa Khan depicts her grandmother’s Country and the vast hills and opal fields of her childhood.
Through painting, she honours and connects with the cherished stories passed down by her grandparents, preserving their legacy. Naomi Kantjuriny delves into spiritual resilience in her portrayal of Mamu, bridging ancestral wisdom with modern healing practices. As a revered ngangkari, her works depict her engagement with the spirit world in order to treat the sick and protect the community. Together, these powerful works embody the rich cultural narratives and timeless wisdom of First Nations traditions, reflecting the enduring impact of art in preserving heritage and fostering meaningful connections across generations.
This collection represents a vibrant collaboration between Art Pharmacy, Deloitte, and the talented artists of Adelaide, each work serving as a testament to the city’s rich cultural tapestry and contemporary identity. Through diverse artistic expressions that celebrate innovation, community, connection, and pride, Deloitte’s Adelaide office becomes a space where stories are shared, connections are deepened, and heritage is honoured.
By championing inclusivity and amplifying First Nations voices alongside local talent, this collection underscores a commitment to both cultural preservation and forward-thinking creativity. Together, Art Pharmacy and Deloitte have created a lasting legacy that invites reflection, dialogue, and a celebration of art’s ability to connect us all.