Where local history meets creativity, compassion and community.
The Cheltenham Cemetery Art Walk of Compassion brings stories from the past to life through public art, transforming the streets surrounding Cheltenham Cemetery into an open-air gallery.
When complete, the Art Walk will feature 66 unique artworks across 33 Stobie poles along High Street, Woodstock Street, Chippenham Street and Port Road, plus two beautifully transformed bus shelters on Port Road.
The project began with three passionate volunteers: local residents Elizabeth Williamson and Michelle Hargreaves, and local artist Chloe Bower. Since mid 2024, Elizabeth Williamson has continued to volunteer her time, ably supported by Hayley Morton. Together they work to ensure the project is completed, which means everything from approvals, funding, artist briefs, curation, installation and maintenance.
Meet our artists
A diverse group of talented South Australian artists has brought the artworks to life. Read about them here.
Funding
The Art Walk has been made possible through generous support from the City of Charles Sturt, via its Community Art Grants and Discretionary Ward Grant programs. We are also grateful to Adelaide Cemeteries, whose grant funding provides participating artists with a small honorarium recognising their time, skill and creativity.
Additional support for artists’ materials has been generously donated by the Awesome Foundation Adelaide, Wattyl Paints and Tristar Electrical.
Local history
We are especially grateful to local historian Susie Coombes, whose Cheltenham Cemetery history walk notes, stories and images have helped shape the creative briefs for each Stobie pole.
More than just a walk
At its heart, the Art Walk is about sharing local history, celebrating community and creating meaningful public art.
This local cemetery holds the history of South Australia from 1876 onwards. It holds the memory of First Nations people on Kaurna Land, in an area originally named Mikawoma, European arrival, and the waves of immigration which followed.
Walking through the Cemetery is a going back in time. From traditional British-styled commemorative pillars and urns, Mediterranean headstones, rose displays and, more recently, a marble mausoleum, time and story unfold before you.
The artworks shine a light on important and often forgotten local figures, symbols of compassion and inspiring stories, inviting everyone who walks, drives or waits at a bus stop nearby to pause, look closer and make a connection with the past.
Come walk, discover and connect with the stories of Cheltenham.
