Outstanding South Australian artists and creatives were celebrated at a very special 20th anniversary Ruby Awards gala event on Friday, 21 November 2025.

Named after late arts patron Dame Ruby Litchfield and presented by CreateSA, these annual awards recognise the achievements and excellence of South Australia’s creative and cultural sectors.

Presented with bespoke trophies made by JamFactory, the 2025 Ruby Awards winners represent a broad range of creative disciplines, reflecting the vibrant diversity and abundance of talent in South Australia.

Congratulations to the exceptional individuals, groups and organisations who were awarded for their achievements in artistic excellence, innovation, collaboration, community involvement, and inspirational leadership.

The Ruby Awards 2025 winners

Outstanding Community Event or Project

The Knowledge Project, Kuma Kaaru and Nucleus

Outstanding Regional Event or Project

Kulinma – Wellbeing Project, Anangu Schools Partnership

Outstanding Work or Event Outside a Festival

Adhocracy – 15th Anniversary, Vitalstatistix

Outstanding Work or Event Within a Festival

Songs Inside, World Premiere, Adelaide Film Festival 2024

Outstanding Work, Event or Project for Young People

Neo, Art Gallery of South Australia

Outstanding Collaboration

nyilamum song cycles, Dr Lou Bennett AM, Paul Stanhope and the Australian String Quartet, in association with Binung Boorigan

Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation or Group

Gray Street Workshop

Premier’s Award for Lifetime Achievement

Lesley Newton

Geoff Crowhurst Memorial Award

Matthew Ives

Frank Ford Memorial Young Achiever Award

Katherine Sortini

Stevie Gadlabarti Goldsmith Memorial Award

Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association

As a truly local celebration, more than 75 South Australian performers and artists were involved in the event production and performances.

On arrival, invited guests were greeted by roaming performers from SA Circus Centre and Young Adelaide Voices, who later formed a ‘human tunnel’ as a unique entry into the awards presentation.

The event was hosted by Elaine Crombie with a Welcome to Country by Jamie Goldsmith, and featured performances by South Australian artists DJ Lesley Williams and Dusty Lee Stephensen, Nat Luna, Adelaide Chamber Singers and WAYIN:THI Collective.

Event attendees were also treated to a unique exhibit celebrating the rich 20-year history of the Ruby Awards, with a display of award trophies and memorabilia from notable past winners including Restless Dance Theatre, Access2Arts, WOMADelaide, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Nexus Arts, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, SALA Festival, and many more.

See the Ruby Awards 2025 event photo gallery.

Find the full 2025 shortlist and more information at the Ruby Awards.