The Cheltenham Cemetery Art Walk of Compassion brings creativity and storytelling to the streets around Cheltenham Cemetery, featuring (when completed) 66 unique artworks displayed across 33 Stobie poles along High Street, Woodstock Street, Chippenham Street, and Port Road. Two bus shelters on the Port Road side are also being transformed with beautiful, eye-catching artwork.
This community-driven project was initiated by three dedicated volunteers: local residents Elizabeth Williamson and Michelle Hargreaves, alongside local artist Chloe Bower.
The project is now managed by Elizabeth Williamson and Hayley Morton.
The artworks themselves have been created by a diverse group of talented local artists — you can learn more about them here.
The Art Walk was made possible thanks to generous support from the City of Charles Sturt, through their Community Art Grants and Discretionary Ward Grant programs.
We’re also grateful to Adelaide Cemeteries, whose grant funding allows participating artists to receive a small honorarium in recognition of their time, skill, and effort. The Awesome Foundation Adelaide, Wattyl Paints and Tristar Electrical have all kindly donated towards artists’ materials to help bring this ambitious vision to life.
Thank you to local historian Susie Coombes, who shared her history walk at Cheltenham Cemetery notes, helping us with images and stories that help shape the artists’ briefs for each Stobie pole.
As volunteers, we oversee everything from SA Power Networks approvals and project funding to the design, curation, and installation of this distinctive series of artworks by South Australian artists.
At the heart of the project is a passion for sharing local history, celebrating community, and creating meaningful public art.
The artworks highlight important — and often forgotten — local historical figures, symbols of compassion, and inspiring imagery, offering moments of reflection and connection for everyone who visits or passes by Cheltenham Cemetery and its surrounding streets.
