The weekend was filled with incredible moments, from live music by Alison and Barry from Coober Pedy to kids’ activities, a licensed bar, and the spectacular street parade. The parade wowed the crowd with a giant puppet and an inflatable plesiosaur while UV lights illuminated dazzling projections across the unique Andamooka landscape, creating a surreal glowing spectacle.
Conceived by local artist Leila Day and developed in partnership with OSCA – Open Space Contemporary Arts and Artistic Director Paul Gazzola, Opal Evolution is more than just an event. It is a grassroots initiative deeply rooted in Andamooka’s opal-rich history, the town’s opalized fossils, and its profound paleontological connections dating back over 100 million years to the time of the inland Eromanga Sea.
Opal Evolution was proud to be part of South Australia’s Nature Festival, with over 400 events across the state, offering creative ways to connect with nature and each other. This year’s festival was just the beginning, with plans to expand each year, promoting cross-community collaboration and fostering artistic and cultural engagement in the far north.
OSCA’s Opal Evolution Trailer
Project Artists:
- Leila Day
- Paul Gazzola
- Nic Mollison
- Amber Archdale
- Tony Hannan
- Laura Wills
The workshops leading up to the event, from projection design to costume making, added immense value to the local artistic community, paving the way for even greater events in the future. A special thank you to all involved—artists, partners, and attendees—who made this first Opal Evolution Festival a glowing success.
