As Pride Month unfolds across Australia, Mount Gambier in South Australia’s Limestone Coast has launched its very first queer art trail, spotlighting the creativity and resilience of LGBTQIA+ artists aged nine to fifty. Curated by community members and showcased in public venues across the city, the trail offers a unique opportunity for regional queer creators to share their voices, foster connection, and enhance visibility in a community where such representation has historically been scarce.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The seeds of Mount Gambier’s queer art trail were sown when local artist and organiser Kit Cooper recognised a need for greater LGBTQIA+ visibility in public spaces. Cooper, who discovered pyrography—a technique of burning designs into wood—after being diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), saw art as both a personal refuge and a vehicle for community engagement.
“I make art because it takes me where my body can’t anymore,” Cooper explains. “These particular pieces were created from a point of calm and zen, just a chance to centre myself amidst the chaos. Having the exhibition in busy places in Mount Gambier was important. The community is taking notice and appreciating queer artists.”
Cooper’s own work joins that of a dozen other artists, displayed across venues including the Riddoch Art Gallery, local shopping centres, cafés, and civic spaces. The trail transforms everyday settings into galleries, encouraging passersby to encounter queer stories and perspectives in the places they frequent.
Spotlight on Emerging Voices
Among the featured artists is 22-year-old bisexual painter Chelsea Dynan, who moved to Mount Gambier only months ago to study medicine. Coming from a background where expressing her queer identity carried threats and fear, Dynan describes participating in the art trail as both empowering and vulnerable.
“When I was back home, I didn’t feel safe to be myself,” she says. “Showing my work here—and seeing it celebrated—means that I can put myself out there, be seen and heard, and feel safe.”
Dynan’s series of portrait sketches focuses on fellow medical students—new arrivals to the city—drawing parallels between her own journey of finding belonging and theirs. By depicting these peers anonymously, she balances self-expression with a desire to spotlight others navigating transitions in a regional town.
Celebrating Diverse Mediums
The queer art trail embraces a broad spectrum of media, from acrylics and watercolours to pyrography and mixed-media installations. Eleven-year-old Mia Chen, a local primary school student, contributes vibrant watercolour pieces depicting dreamlike gardens and fantastical creatures, symbolising the freedom she feels when allowed to express herself authentically. Her parents, both local teachers, credit the trail with nurturing their daughter’s confidence and creativity.
Graphic illustrator Jordan “JD” Davis, who identifies as non-binary, presents a series of digital prints exploring themes of gender fluidity and belonging. Davis’s bold, neon-infused compositions adorn the walls of a popular café, sparking conversations over morning coffee about identity, acceptance, and the evolving face of regional Australia.
Meanwhile, veteran artist Patrick Smith, a long-time advocate for queer representation, debuts a collection of oil paintings that subvert traditional depictions of the human body. His abstracted figures, rendered in warm earth tones, challenge viewers to reconsider preconceived notions of normalcy.
“Queer spaces do exist and queer life does exist in rural areas,” Smith asserts. “By bumping into queer imagery in everyday places, young people and allies alike are reminded that they are not alone—and that their stories matter.”
Building a Safe and Inclusive Space
Organisers emphasise that the trail is more than an exhibition; it’s a statement of solidarity. By placing artwork in highly trafficked venues—shopping arcades, cafés, the public library—the trail normalises queer presence and invites dialogue. Local business owners report positive feedback, noting increased foot traffic and a renewed sense of community pride.
The Riddoch Art Gallery, traditionally focused on established fine art, lends its iconic white-walled halls to the trail, curating a dedicated queer showcase. Gallery director Maria Nguyen comments:
“Hosting this exhibition aligns with our mission to reflect the diversity of our region. We want all members of our community to feel represented and welcome here.”
Councillor Ella Robinson, whose portfolio includes arts and inclusion, attended the trail’s opening. She highlighted the project’s grassroots origins:
“This art trail demonstrates what can happen when individuals come together with a shared vision. It’s a testament to Mount Gambier’s growing commitment to diversity and inclusion. I hope this is just the beginning.”
Youth Engagement and Future Aspirations
A key goal of the trail is to inspire young LGBTQIA+ people who may feel isolated in regional settings. The presence of youth artwork signals that queer identities are celebrated, not hidden away. Many students from the local high school attended the opening event, participating in guided tours and artist Q&A sessions.
In the coming months, organisers plan to integrate school workshops and panel discussions, providing mentorship opportunities and practical art-making sessions. Cooper envisions an annual trail that expands to neighboring towns, creating a network of queer-affirming art experiences across the Limestone Coast.
Broader Impacts and Challenges
While the trail has been largely embraced, organisers acknowledge challenges. Securing funding, navigating local regulations for public displays, and ensuring safety for artists and visitors required considerable effort. Some older community members expressed discomfort, prompting organisers to host information sessions and encourage respectful dialogue.
“Visibility can be confronting for some,” says Cooper, “but it also creates opportunities for education and empathy. We want to meet people where they are and open lines of communication.”
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have expressed interest in studying the trail’s social impact, measuring changes in community attitudes and mental wellbeing among participating artists. Preliminary feedback suggests that contributors experience enhanced self-esteem and sense of belonging—a testament to art’s power to heal and connect.
A Model for Regional Inclusion
Mount Gambier’s queer art trail offers a replicable model for other regional centres seeking to foster LGBTQIA+ inclusion. By leveraging existing public spaces and community partnerships, the initiative demonstrates that visibility need not be confined to urban centres. Small-town Australia, too, can become a canvas for diverse narratives.
Local businesses, arts organisations, and municipal leaders are already in discussions to secure ongoing support. Councillor Robinson indicates that the City of Mount Gambier is exploring modest grant funding and promotional assistance to ensure the trail’s sustainability.
Conclusion
As Mount Gambier’s queer art trail continues throughout Pride Month, it serves as a vibrant celebration of identity, creativity, and community solidarity. From the youngest artists to seasoned advocates, the trail elevates voices that have long yearned for a platform. In transforming cafes, galleries, and shopfronts into stages for queer expression, Mount Gambier reaffirms that art can not only reflect society but also shape it—cultivating empathy, understanding, and lasting change in the heart of regional South Australia.
READ MORE: Sly Stone’s Tumultuous Journey: From Funk Pioneer to Reclusive Icon
