Arts and Culture

Whyalla is a city with a diverse culture. Performances, shows, events and exhibitions showcase a vibrant city reflected in the arts. Whyalla is recognised as a regional hub for creative expression.

Seasonal productions, variety tours, performing local musicians and recent film releases ensure there is usually something happening within the arts community of Whyalla to entertain and delight.

Public art is dispersed throughout Whyalla in gardens, along trails and in public spaces.

Performing Arts - Middleback Arts Centre

While visiting Whyalla there is every chance that a theatre production will be in season, variety entertainment is being staged, the latest film will be screening, or one of many art and craft exhibitions is on show in the foyer.

Disabled access is available to the theatre, auditorium, toilets and parking.

Visitors are invited to call into the theatre and browse through the foyer. On permanent view are five lead-light windows depicting aspects of Whyalla and a mural tracing the pioneer history of the Middleback Ranges.

Details of the theatre's program at the time of your visit can be obtained direct from the theatre, at the Visitor Information Centre, the local paper or see here:

Location: 141a Nicolson Ave, Whyalla Norrie

Enquiries: Ph. +61 8 8644 7300

Open: Wednesday – Saturday 12:30–8:30pm

Middleback Arts Centre FACEBOOK page

Public Art - cuttlefish craig

These are the lands of the Barngarla people. Annually along the northern coastline of Whyalla, the Australian Giant Cuttlefish arrive to spawn. As a tribute to this unique event the Whyalla community led by artist Karen Carr, have created this installation to celebrate the amazing creatures, habitats and biodiversity of Whyalla's coast and marine environment. Funded by the Whyalla City Council and Country Arts SA via the Regional Arts Fund 2020

Public Art - The Loaded Dog

The Loaded Dog sculpture was created by world-famous sculptor Andy Scott, entirely out of steel using a unique construction technique of welding thousands of pieces of 10mm and 12mm rod together. Designed and constructed in Glasgow in 2006, the steel sculpture took shape during 2007, and was unveiled to the public in 2008. The Loaded Dog is the only example of Andy Scott’s distinctive work in South Australia

Location: 97 McDouall Stuart Ave, Whyalla Stuart (garden of Whyalla Veterinary Clinic).…..

The sculpture is based on the dog from Henry Lawson’s famous Australian bush tale ‘The Loaded Dog’. The story is about a playful mischievous retriever, Tommy, who makes off with a stick of explosive. Tommy drags the fuse through the campfire, lighting it and creating mayhem in the chase that follows.

Public Art - Diver Sculpture

The sculpture of a diver which is located on the Whyalla Foreshore was created by Yvonne Dorward; it is free standing measuring 2.2 x 2 metres.

Whyalla is famous for its rich fishing grounds and a world phenomenon of cuttlefish breeding. The public art acknowledges the natural environment and human interaction and was commissioned to enhance the city’s foreshore. It is a story of mutual interaction and celebration of the sea. The official opening coincided with the opening of the 2012 Fishy Fringe Festival in Whyalla. 

Rotary Peace and Harmony Globe and Sundial

The Rotary Club of Whyalla has erected a 2.5m stainless steel globe of the world and a sundial at the Whyalla Foreshore. The steel globe honours the multi-cultural heritage of Whyalla, recognising the countries of origin of the city’s immigrant workforce. The steel used in the manufacture of the globe was mined and smelted at OneSteel Manufacturing Plant in Whyalla. This striking and memorable artwork was unveiled on World Harmony Day, 22 March 2014.

Location: Whyalla Foreshore.