12 awards valued at $54,000 were presented at the Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition Opening Night. The Helpmann Academy was thrilled to introduce new awards in 2025: the Mount Horrocks Wines Award from Stephanie Toole, valued at $5,000, and the South Australian Industry Award, proudly supported by JamFactory, SALA Festival and Guildhouse, valued at $3,490 (including $1,800 cash).
Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition Award Recipients 2025
The Helpmann Academy Major Exhibition Award
Supported by IAS Fine Art Logistics and Linden New Art, this award is valued at $10,000. The graduate receives a three-week exhibition at Linden New Art valued at $4,500, plus up to $3,000 in services and $2,500 in cash, thanks to IAS Fine Art Logistics.
Awarded to: Tieyuan Zhou (University of South Australia)
Fetzer Award for Excellence
Generously supported by Angela Fetzer, valued at $7,500 cash.
Awarded to: Silki Wong (University of South Australia)
University of South Australia Postgraduate Award
This award, proudly supported by the University of South Australia, recognises the achievements of a Masters or PhD candidate with a $5,000 cash prize.
Awarded to: Thu Huong (Abigail) Nguyen (University of South Australia)
Hill Smith Art Advisory Award, valued at $5,000 in cash, is presented to an artist working in the disciplines of painting, drawing, or printmaking. The Hill Smith Art Advisory Award is proudly supported by Margo and Sam Hill-Smith.
Awarded to: Angela De Palma (Flinders University)
Lang Family Foundation/McKee Award provides $5,000 cash, supported by the Lang Family Foundation, David McKee AO and Pam McKee.
Awarded to: Joshua Sleep (Flinders University)
City of Adelaide Award, valued at $5,000 cash, is presented to an artist whose work reflects and celebrates the City of Adelaide’s creative culture.
Awarded to: Pippini Niamh (Flinders University)
NEW IN 2025: The Mount Horrocks Wines Award, proudly supported by Stephanie Toole. Valued at $5,000 cash invites the recipient to present an exhibition at Mount Horrocks Wines, Clare Valley.
Awarded to: Charlotte Treloar (University of South Australia)
NEW IN 2025: The South Australian Industry Award. Proudly supported by JamFactory, SALA Festival and Guildhouse, this award entitles the recipient to a JamFactory Short Course, premium registration for the 2025 SALA Festival, and a Guildhouse Accredited Premium membership. The total value of the South Australian Industry Award is $3,490, including $1,800 cash.
Awarded to: Chin Ton (Naomi) Tang (University of South Australia)
Jaquillard Exhibition Award. This award is generously supported by Diana and Philippe Jaquillard and provides $3,000 cash to fund an exhibition.
Awarded to: Tieyuan Zhou (University of South Australia)
McHugh Award. Supported by Paul and Fatima McHugh, and valued $3,000
Awarded to: Mads Conte (University of South Australia)
The David Hayden Professional Development Award ($1,000 cash) supports the purchase of art materials. This award is supported by David Hayden.
Awarded to: Oak YOO (University of South Australia)
People’s Choice Credit Union Innovation Award presents $1,000 cash to an artist whose work exhibits innovative qualities.
Awarded to: Charlotte Treloar (University of South Australia)
The Helpmann Academy has been championing emerging artists in South Australia for over thirty years. A lot has changed since 1994, but their vision remains the same – to empower our most promising up-and-coming creatives by supporting them to bring their artistic ideas to life and establish sustainable careers.
The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition is South Australia’s ultimate celebration of emerging creative talent.
Showcasing the bold works of 18 standout graduates from Flinders University and the University of South Australia, this must-see exhibition is at SASA Gallery from Friday 14 February until Saturday 22 March 2025.
Graduate works across various disciplines are on display, including ceramics, glass, moving image, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles.
This exhibition has a long history of being a launchpad for the next generation of artistic talent in our state. This is your chance to view and celebrate the next generation of South Australian artists. The Graduate Exhibition remains one of the most significant opportunities in Australia for emerging creatives, thanks to the support of the academy’s award donors and partners.
The Helpmann Academy acknowledges the support of our Major Event Partner, Lang Family Foundation, our presenting partner, the University of South Australia, and our Wine Partner, Grigori Family Reserve.
Enjoy some photos from the Opening Event!
HELPMANN ACADEMY GRADUATE EXHIBITION 2025
SASA Gallery
University of South Australia
UniSA Kaurna Building, City West
Fenn Place, Adelaide
Friday 14 February to Saturday 22 March
Gallery Open: Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
FEATURED ARTISTS
Angela De Palma
Antoni Phillips
Charlotte Treloar
Chin Ton (Naomi) Tang
Claire Marsh
Hana Alison
Jels
Joshua Sleep
Leanne Rowett
Maddie Stevens
Mads Conte
Martin Brine
Oak YOO
Pippini Niamh
Silki Wong
Tara Rowhani-Farid
Thu Huong (Abigail) Nguyen
Tieyuan Zhou
GRADUATE EXHIBITION PROJECT CURATOR
Stephanie Doddridge
For interviews with Jane MacFarlane, CEO, Helpmann Academy or one of the exhibiting artists, please contact:
Debbie Pryor, Helpmann Academy Program Manager | (08) 7089 0720 | debbie.pryor@helpmannacademy.com.au
High resolution images available on request.
The Helpmann Academy gratefully acknowledges the support of our following partners:
Major Event Partner
Lang Family Foundation
Presenting Partner
University of South Australia
Event Partner
Grigori Family Reserve
Award Partners & Donors
Linden New Art
IAS Fine Art Logistics
Angela Fetzer
University of South Australia
Hill Smith Art Advisory (Margo & Sam Hill-Smith)
Lang Family Foundation
David McKee AO & Pam McKee
City of Adelaide
Mount Horrocks Wines (Stephanie Toole)
Diana & Philippe Jaquillard
Paul & Fatima McHugh
JamFactory
SALA Festival
Guildhouse
David Hayden
People’s Choice Credit Union
Exhibition Partners
Studio Veld
Finsbury Green
Media Partner
Solstice Media