We’ve registered for AusArtDay 2026, a national day that supports Australian artists and organisations to raise funds for the work we’re passionate about. AusArt Day is a collective movement - designed to mobilise artists and arts organisations to raise funds on a single, powerful day. In doing so, AusArt Day invites more Australians to show our collective appreciation for those who bring creativity into our lives.
Upgrade our Print Room!
This year, we are raising funds to upgrade our beloved Print Room.
For forty years the Print Room has supported workshops, resident artists, community hire, and creative connection - it's time for it to get some love! With upgrades to the rooms services and amenities the space will become more user-friendly for all.
We’re talking:
Installing a reverse cycle air conditioner - no more stuffy summer days!
Adding a mounted projector and motorised screen, making the space better suited for teaching artists and commercial and community hire.
Installing blinds to the windows, increasing privacy and assisting in creating a more comfortable space.
Modifying our large tables so that they are movable and accessible for different workshops and ages.
Upgrading the sinks to have hot water (hooray!) and installing a paint trap and eco-paint collection/drying system so that we can better dispose of waste materials.
Upgrading our storeroom for easier access and safe handling.
how can you show your support?
Community Challenge Goal
Our Print Room has only been renovated once in its forty years of operation, meaning it needs a whole lot of love to bring it up to the standard our community deserves. This is why we need your help! We’ve set a Community Challenge Goal to collectively raise $5,000 towards Print Room upgrades. Creative Australia has is generously matching every dollar raised within this goal, making every donation matter. Together, we can create an industry standard space that Kepa Kurl Esperance deserves, creating opportunities for artists and community to create and connect for another forty years.
New Donor Challenge
Have you attended a workshop, open studio, club, or event in the Print Room? This is your chance to give back to the space as a first time donor! We are aiming to reach fifty first time donors within our fundraising window. All amounts are valued and are tax deductible.
what’s happening on ausart day?
On AusArt Day, Thursday 22nd October 2026, our Centre will come alive with celebrations.
Print-athon
From 10am - 4pm, the Print Room will come alive with our printing marathon! Staff and community will be challenged to create 100 prints in the space using printmaking tools throughout the day. Come along to watch other print or get involved to make your very own print! Can’t make it? We will be livestreaming parts of the marathon on our Instagram throughout the day. Follow us so you don’t miss out!
40 Year Plaque Reveal
Did you know our Studio spaces are turning forty this year? To celebrate, Life Member Penny Blumann will be unveiling a special plaque to acknowledge the anniversary and importance of these spaces. Time TBA.
Around the Centre, you’ll also be able to see Pottery Club members at work in the Pottery Studio, discover two brilliant solo exhibitions from local artists - 64Fifty by Jamie Coyle aka Koffii and Love in Longreach and Other Towns by Tammy Andrews - attend a special Gather & Grow session in the Forage Garden from 9am - 12pm & 3 - 4pm, and browse locally made art and wares in our Shop.
images
Banner - KickArts Open Studio Painting with Hajni 2025, by Rosie Henderson. Image 1 - Print Room 2026, by Dan Paris. Image 2 - Kevin Robertson AiR Art on the Move workshop 1998. Image 3 - KickArts Waxy Shell Paintings with Elaine Fewings 2026, by Rosie Henderson. Image 4 - Print Room workshop with participants 1987. Image 5 - KickArts Open Studio Mixed Media Monsters with Samantha Thompson 2026, by Rosie Henderson. Image 6 - Cannery Arts Centre Print Room pre-1997.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.