Jam Factory

Jam Factory is a creative centre with a split personality. It’s part-shop, part-workshop, part-art school and part-gallery. All these functions unified under the one roof, with a commitment to championing South Australian artists and makers.

The multi-storey structure forms part of a cluster of arts organisations in Adelaide’s West End, flanked by ACE Open, Nexus Arts, Fowler’s Live and The Mercury Cinema. It houses a gleaming retail store renovated by designer Khai Liew in 2010, two public galleries and four large, shared studios catering to a range of practices, including ceramics, furniture, glass and metal. They are some of the best-equipped workspaces anywhere in Australia.

The shop is stocked with work by Jam Factory Associates – students undergoing a two-year program of training and exploration, led by an esteemed staff of resident artists – alongside products turned out under the Jam Factory label.

The manufacturing model is ingenious. Jam provides associates with “free” studio time in exchange for producing its branded products. Typically artists will work on “product” two or three days a week, and exploit Jam’s world-class facilities to pursue their own practice at other times.

Jam Factory was established in 1973 during a boom era for the South Australian arts scene, under a Don Dunston-led state government. In 2013 it opened a satellite venue in the Barossa Valley. Located in Seppeltsfield, the space offers artist studios, a shop selling Jam Factory favourites, and a gallery.

It also hosts public workshops with its principal designers, and offers a bespoke design service for those looking for a unique piece, gift or trophy.