Cannery Arts Centre

Events

Events

 
 
Radius 8.0 - Regional Partner Program
Apr
22
to 28 June

Radius 8.0 - Regional Partner Program

  • Cannery Arts Centre (map)
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The Courthouse Gallery + Studio, managed by The Junction Co., is seeking emerging and early-career artists living in regional Western Australia (Goldfields–Esperance, Kimberley, Pilbara, or South West) to participate in Radius 8.0 – Regional Partner Program.

Radius 8.0 – Regional Partner Program is a launchpad initiative combining a structured mentorship program with a group exhibition. The program supports regional artists to develop their practice through guidance from experienced mentors and provides opportunities to present work in a professional gallery environment. The program supports both the development of new work and the presentation of selected works in a group exhibition.

Click through for more info.

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Cannery Art Awards Call Out
May
18
to 18 Oct

Cannery Art Awards Call Out

Thinking about exhibiting for the first time? Got a piece worthy of an award? Or keen to create something new for the exhibition? This is your invitation to get involved in the Cannery Art Awards!

The awards are a chance to share your work with the community, connect with other artists and be part of a vibrant regional exhibition celebrating contemporary creative practice.

With over $12,000 in prize money across multiple categories — including some exciting new awards — there are plenty of opportunities for artists working across different mediums, styles and experiences to participate.

Open to artists and creatives aged 16 years and over.

Click through for more information and to register.

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MAMA STITCH
June
19
to 21 June

MAMA STITCH

  • Cannery Arts Centre (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A live music & storytelling experience about Motherhood.
Inspired by local people from Kepa Kurl Esperance.

Step into a cosy and unforgettable winter evening with Mama Stitch — a heartfelt celebration of mums in all their beauty, messiness, strength and vulnerability. Blending powerful storytelling with live music, Whiskey & Boots bring together the voices of Kepa Kurl Esperance community members in a moving performance about motherhood, childhood and the ties that shape us.

Using the captivating form of headphone verbatim theatre — where actors wear headphones and repeat recorded interviews live, word for word — Mama Stitch is mesmerising, honest and deeply human. Stories unfold with humour, tenderness and emotion, becoming at once familiar, surprising and profoundly relatable. Some stories you may recognise, while others will leave you wondering.

Click through for more info & to book.

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OPEN MIC
May
15
5:30 pm17:30

OPEN MIC

Postponed Due To Weather

Open Mic Night returns to the Cannery Courtyard on Friday 15th May – a space for anyone to jump up and share a song, a story, or a tune. Whether you’re performing or just soaking it all in, it’s a relaxed night full of good vibes and local talent.

Bring your drinks, snacks, voice, instrument, and crew. We’ll supply the PA system and drums – you bring the magic.

Friday 15th May
5:30pm–10:00pm
Cannery Courtyard
Free Entry

Brought to you by The Cannery Arts Centre and Kyza Presents. Proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay and OD Transport.

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Artist Talk: The Journey to here
Apr
23
6:00 pm18:00

Artist Talk: The Journey to here

Join Kepa Kurl/Esperance-based creatives Rosie Henderson and Halla Kim for an intimate conversation exploring their creative practices, career journeys, and current exhibitions at The Cannery Arts Centre.

Together, they’ll reflect on what it means to be a professional artist in Esperance, sharing insights into their artistic career, inspirations, and the ideas shaping their work. The discussion will also dive into their exhibition processes - unpacking motivations, creative approaches, and reflections on how each body of work has evolved.

A shared thread in their practices is an exploration of environment - both familiar and unfamiliar - and how place influences their work.

Date: Thursday April 23 at 6pm
Bar will be open to purchase drinks.
Free tea and coffee.

Click through for more information & to register

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Cannery at the Bistro
Mar
28
to 17 May

Cannery at the Bistro

A pop-up exhibition in the Green Room Gallery at Bistro Louis, celebrating the work of Cannery SHOP artists and their connections to Kepa Kurl / Esperance.

EXHIBITING ARTISTS | Tammy Andrews, Rachel Bond, Kelsey Clark, Elaine Fewings, Esti Nagy, Speedline Art, and Cassie Wehrenberg.

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GROWING MAITAKE MUSHROOMS ON LOGS
Mar
26
9:00 am09:00

GROWING MAITAKE MUSHROOMS ON LOGS

This week at Gather & Grow we have Steve teaching us how to grow Maitake Mushrooms on logs. Technique applies to oyster and shitake mushrooms as well. We have the logs ready so come down and learn about growning mushrooms at home on logs.

FREE TO ATTEND

Gather & Grow, is a free weekly social gardening, garden crafts, and morning tea session at the Forage community garden at the Cannery Arts Centre. Running every Thursday during school terms (excluding Week 1), from 9 am – 11 am, this inclusive program is open to all members of the public looking to connect with nature and others in a relaxed, welcoming space.

The Forage community garden is comprised of geometric patterned raised wicking garden beds, worm farms, and composting, where participants can enjoy light gardening, harvesting fresh produce, creating garden crafts, or simply soaking in the garden’s beauty while chatting over morning tea. Led by an experienced gardener, each term will also feature a special guest presenter offering workshops or talks.

🌱 All are welcome! No bookings required just come down.

This program is made possible with the support of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, Peter Rundle MLA, Riverlee Farm and Elders Insurance Esperance & Kalgoorlie.

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Artist Talk: Making Through Illness
Mar
12
6:00 pm18:00

Artist Talk: Making Through Illness

With Ron Bradfield Jnr, Melissa Cameron & Sarsby.

SICK AF delves into the personal narratives of artists who have navigated life-altering illness or injury, using contemporary craft and the arts as powerful tools for expression and healing.

This Artist Talk, facilitated by our Artistic Director - Galleries Alex Desebrock, will unpack the themes of the exhibition, explore each artist’s practice, and consider the balance between art as profession and art as a means of survival, care, and recovery.

This talk is for anyone who has experienced — or supported someone through — life-altering illness or injury. It is also for artists and creatives interested in the exhibition and the layered relationships between art, identity, and healing.

Click through for more information & to register to attend.

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Our Stories Matter
Mar
9
5:30 pm17:30

Our Stories Matter

There isn't one Australian that doesn't have a survival story to thank for their being a part of our society. I invite participants to share their stories and hear how we've come together to form the communities we know now. How much do you know of your family's survival story and how far back behind you, is it?

A generous and warm yarning experience for everyone.

Let's find out!
Tea, coffee & snacks provided.

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OPEN MIC
Feb
13
5:30 pm17:30

OPEN MIC

🎤 Open Mic is Back – Second One for 2026!

Kick off the new year with an evening of live music, spoken word, and spontaneous creativity under the stars.

Open Mic Night returns to the Cannery Garden on Friday 13th Feb – a space for anyone to jump up and share a song, a story, or a tune. Whether you’re performing or just soaking it all in, it’s a relaxed night full of good vibes and local talent.

Bring your drinks, snacks, voice, instrument, and crew. We’ll supply the PA system and drums – you bring the magic.

Friday 13th Feb
5:30pm–10:00pm
Cannery Garden
Free Entry

Brought to you by The Cannery Arts Centre and Kyza Presents. Proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay and OD Transport.

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GATHER & GROW - Social Gardening and Morning Tea at Forage
Feb
12
to 26 Mar

GATHER & GROW - Social Gardening and Morning Tea at Forage

Join us for Gather & Grow, a free weekly social gardening, garden crafts, and morning tea session at the Forage community garden at the Cannery Arts Centre. Running every Thursday during school terms (excluding Week 1), from 9 am – 11 am, this inclusive program is open to all members of the public looking to connect with nature and others in a relaxed, welcoming space.

CLICK IMAGE TO FIND OUT MORE

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Artist Talk on Radical Futures: Unearthed
Feb
11
5:30 pm17:30

Artist Talk on Radical Futures: Unearthed

With curator Cait Edwards and artists Rani Fankha & Elaine Fewings

Go beyond the gallery wall and join us for a relaxed artist talk diving into the ideas behind Radical Futures Unearthed. Facilitated by our Artistic Director, Alex Desebrock, curator Cait Edwards will be joined by artists Rani Fankha and Elaine Fewings for an open conversation exploring the making of the exhibition.

What does Radical Futures mean from a personal, artistic, and regional perspective?
How did each artist respond to the theme - and where did the work take them?
What challenges surfaced, and what new ideas emerged through process?

This is a moment to slow down and dig a little deeper - into practice, material choices, unexpected turns, and reflections from participating in the Regional Arts Triennial. You’ll hear directly from the artists about how their work developed and how the exhibition came together as a collective response.

Whether you're an artist, a creative, or simply curious - this is a thoughtful space to engage, reflect, and chat all things art.

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Sound In The Round
Feb
7
4:00 pm16:00

Sound In The Round

ALL Ages/BYO Beverages

Spend a summer evening under the trees at the Cannery Arts Centre Round Garden for a magical celebration of Western Australian songwriting. From 4pm, the Round Garden comes alive with performances from an incredible lineup of artists including Tanya Ransom, Adele Oliver, Soul Kitchen Choir with Tilly Kay, Gary James, Prisoners of the Sun, and Laura Petrie.

This all-ages, family-friendly, BYO evening invites you to bring a picnic rug, settle in and enjoy heartfelt songs, rich storytelling, and warm community vibes. There’ll be food and ice creams available, plus a handful of fun activities to keep all ages engaged throughout the night.

And make sure you’re there to experience something truly special — Tanya Ransom and Adele Oliver will be joined by local vocalists to form the Soul Kitchen Choir for one composition each, lifting the garden with soaring harmonies and big-hearted energy.

Music, connection, and summer night magic — all in one of Esperance’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.

Everyone’s welcome.

Many thanks to the Shire of Esperance, Dixon Construction, Elders Esperance and Down to Earth for sponsoring/supporting the evening.

Buy Tix
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OPEN MIC
Jan
16
5:30 pm17:30

OPEN MIC

🎤 Open Mic is Back – First One for 2026!

Kick off the new year with an evening of live music, spoken word, and spontaneous creativity under the stars.

Open Mic Night returns to the Cannery Garden on Friday 16th January – a space for anyone to jump up and share a song, a story, or a tune. Whether you’re performing or just soaking it all in, it’s a relaxed night full of good vibes and local talent.

Bring your drinks, snacks, voice, instrument, and crew. We’ll supply the PA system and drums – you bring the magic.

Friday 16th January
5:30pm–10:00pm
Cannery Garden
Free Entry

Brought to you by The Cannery Arts Centre and Kyza Presents. Proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay and OD Transport.

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9 x 5 Auction
Dec
14
10:30 am10:30

9 x 5 Auction

Own a Piece of Art — and Support the Cannery

Looking for something special for your wall while supporting your local arts centre? Don’t miss the 9x5 Art Auction — our biggest fundraising event of the year!

With over 200 artworks up for grabs, you’re bound to find something you love. This lively biannual event is a true community favourite — enjoy a drink, a cucumber sandwich or a snag, and settle in for a fun morning of art and bidding.

📅 Exhibition: 14 November – 13 December
🎨 Live Auction: 11am Sunday 14 December (doors open 10.30am)

We recommend visiting the exhibition in advance to see all the works and plan your bids.
Find out more about the exhibition and bidding process here.

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Snake Information Night 2 Term 4 2025
Dec
8
5:30 pm17:30

Snake Information Night 2 Term 4 2025

Join us at the Cannery Arts Centre for a free community snake awareness seminar presented by Darren Darch from Fauna for the Future Australia, in partnership with Key Pest and Weed Control, Swan Veterinary Services, Domino’s Esperance, and The Cannery Arts Centre.

Learn what to do if you encounter a snake at home or outdoors, and how to keep your family, kids, and pets safe this season. Darren and Jenelle are experienced native fauna rescuers who believe education is the first line of defence—for both humans and snakes.

Darren will also share insights from his new Snake Awareness book, full of practical advice for living safely alongside our local wildlife. Thanks to Domino’s Esperance for providing a bite to eat on the day.

📅 When: Monday, 8th December
⏰ Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
📍 Where: Cannery Arts Centre - Art Room

Please note: there may be live non-venomous snakes at this event.

Spaces are limited, and registration is essential.

If the event is full, join the waitlist to be notified when spots become available. Don’t miss out!

Book Me In!
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Balmy Nights
Nov
22
5:00 pm17:00

Balmy Nights

And we are back.... In 2025 catch a red hot live lineup featurong the Witchy Djypsies, Sunday Lemonade, Hello Stranger, Dani Enli, Tracey Barnett and Izzie Dutoit.

Balmy Nights challenges the perception of an Arts Centre event, fusing live music with all The Cannery has to offer. CAC’s 9x5 exhibition is always an absolute hit, the perfect fit for Balmy Nights, returning in 2025 with local, regional and national artwork on display. Live Pottery Studio, Art Installs, Zen Den, Secret Wine Bar, Food Court, you know it lets go.

18+ Event

Thank you to key supporter The Mt Burdett Foundation, also our primary local sponsors Luxe Floral and Home Co and Tim Green Construction.

May thanks to our local business sponsors, Elders Esperance, Tide Town, The Vibart Family, Wells Building Designers and Consultants, TV Financial, Coffee Cat, Esperance Records, Dempster Street Barber Shop, ESP Museum Village, Naturally Esperance the Lillypad and Renewable Bio.

Balmy Nights Festival is located in Kepa Kurl (Esperance) on Wudjari Boodja. We acknowledge the Traditional Owners, Custodians of these ancestral lands and waters, Nyungar Elders koorah, nitja, boordahwan (past, present, future) of the Indigenous Nations of Australia, and honour the continued and enduring ties to country and culture.

Tickets
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Open Mic Night
Nov
7
5:30 pm17:30

Open Mic Night

Join us for a classic Open Mic Night at The Cannery Arts Centre.

Pa system and drums supplied.

Free Entry

Open Mic is brought to you by The Cannery Arts Centre and Kyza Presents and proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay and Od Transport.

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GATHER & GROW - Social Gardening and Morning Tea at Forage
Nov
6
to 18 Dec

GATHER & GROW - Social Gardening and Morning Tea at Forage

Join us for Gather & Grow, a free weekly social gardening, garden crafts, and morning tea session at the Forage community garden at the Cannery Arts Centre. Running every Thursday during school terms (excluding Week 1), from 9 am – 11 am, this inclusive program is open to all members of the public looking to connect with nature and others in a relaxed, welcoming space.

CLICK IMAGE TO FIND OUT MORE

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ALL ABOUT GARLIC! WITH DAN PARIS AT GATHER & GROW
Oct
30
9:00 am09:00

ALL ABOUT GARLIC! WITH DAN PARIS AT GATHER & GROW

🌱 Gather & Grow | This Thursday at the Cannery!

This week we welcome guest presenter Dan Paris, local garlic grower extraordinaire 🧄

Garlic season is here — harvest time is just around the corner! If you’ve got garlic growing (or want to next year), now’s your chance to get all your questions answered.

Join us for Gather & Grow, a free weekly session of social gardening, garden crafts, and morning tea in the Forage Community Garden at the Cannery Arts Centre.

⏰ 9 am – 11 am

📍 Forage Community Garden, Cannery Arts Centre

☕ No bookings needed -FREE TO ATTEND- just come along!

This inclusive program is perfect for anyone wanting to connect with nature and others in a relaxed, welcoming space. Enjoy light gardening, harvest fresh produce, make something crafty, or simply soak up the beauty of the garden over a cuppa.

✨ Supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, Peter Rundle MLA, Riverlee Farm, and Elders Insurance Esperance & Kalgoorlie.

The Forage community garden is comprised of geometric patterned raised wicking garden beds, worm farms, and composting bays. Led by experienced gardener, Silke Apel.

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Install Volunteer Callout
Oct
28
to 9 Nov

Install Volunteer Callout

We’re inviting our Cannery community to be part of something special - our Install Volunteer Team for 2026!

With new gallery lighting on the way and exciting touring and local exhibitions lined up, we’re looking for a small group of passionate, capable volunteers to train and assist with exhibition installations throughout the year.

Who We’re Looking For

Are you an artist wanting to build your professional skills?
An art lover curious about what goes on behind the scenes?
Or simply someone who enjoys being hands-on and helping bring exhibitions to life?
If so - we’d love to have you on board!

Click to find out more.

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younity creative sessions: free art + writing workshops for lgbtqia+sb youth (13–24 yrs)
Oct
18
to 2 Nov

younity creative sessions: free art + writing workshops for lgbtqia+sb youth (13–24 yrs)

younity creative sessions: free art + writing workshops for lgbtqia+sb youth (13–24 yrs)

this october and november, the cannery art room will shift into something new. an open studio space where queer stories take the front seat. it isn’t school, it isn’t homework, and it isn’t about being neat. it’s about showing up, making something raw, and being loud in a world that too oftentries to quiet queer voices.

the sessions will be facilitated by local queer artist + writer, sarsby, who knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up on the coast in regional wa and feel like your story doesn’t fit the usual script. through art and creative writing, participants will be invited to channel the grit and chaos of lived experience into something honest and powerful.

LEARN MORE - CLICK PIC

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WAM Presents Youth Sounds
Oct
5
1:00 pm13:00

WAM Presents Youth Sounds

Over the past ten weeks, 15 young people aged 12-18 have been diving into songwriting, jamming and playing together as part of the WAM regional youth program.

Now its time to share it with the community. Youth sounds is a showcase event where these emerging musicians will take to the stage, perform their original songs and celebrate their hard work.

The perfect chance to see the next generation of local talent in action. Event is free entry, alcohol free and open to all ages.

Burgers and Cool drinks available on the day courtesy Livvy.

Brought to you by WAM, Healthway, Cannery Arts Centre and Kyza Presents.

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Well Seasoned
Aug
30
4:00 pm16:00

Well Seasoned

Coming to you on Saturday 30th August at the Cannery Arts Centre, with an exceptional line up of local and visiting artists set to fill our souls and fuel our toes alongside interactive art and installs, some woo-woo wellness stuff with the Swan Effect & Lume Breathwork, yummy tucker from Laurens Larder, and of course bevs from the Cannery Bar.

Well Seasoned is about celebrating Country and our human connection to Country and each other. It’s about coming together through all the good things - music, art, food, bevs - to dust off those cobwebs of Winter and dance our way into Spring, more connected to ourselves and each other, and life on Earth.

Live performance will set the vibe for the night featuring the didge and drums dance vibes of Si Mullumby, Soulful Roots of Tanya Hemi, Electro Pop by Boox Kid, golden sound of Rachel Vibart and tasty cuts by Luke Tolmacheff on the decks.

We’re also really honoured to have Aunty Annie and Julie from Dabungool coming along to share a Walk on Country and Welcome with us to kick off the event and evening together.

Off the back of our inaugural sell out show last year, we’re stoked on how this years event has grown and evolved so much already with so many amazing artists, businesses and sponsors supporting the vision and jumping on board.

Many Thanks to our sponsors Goldfields Esperance Development Commission, Rotary Club Of Esperance, Down To Earth and Esperance Vinyl. And to our key supporters, Cannery Arts Centre, Shire of Esperance, and Regional Arts WA.

Tickets
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Sculpture Trail Co-Design Workshops
Aug
17
9:30 am09:30

Sculpture Trail Co-Design Workshops

The Esperance community is invited to this series of workshops to collaborate with FORM on phase two of the Esperance Sculpture Trail project!

As we move into the next stage of the Esperance Sculpture Trail, we will be working alongside the Esperance community in a series of workshops. Feedback from these facilitated sessions will inform the Public Art Strategy, Artistic Briefs, and subsequently the artworks for the project. Workshop participants will also come away with a greater understanding of the Esperance Sculpture Trail including the project's background, work to date, governance, and decision-making structure.

CLICK IMAGE to learn more and book into a workshop today.

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Open Mic Night/Indoors, Winter Edition
June
7
5:30 pm17:30

Open Mic Night/Indoors, Winter Edition

We really love Winter and we really love Open Mics, and it honestly would not be an Esperance Winter without a cozy Open Mic in the Art Room at The Cannery Arts Centre.

Always a substantial vibe.

This will be the only indoor Open Mic at The Cannery for the Season so make sure to head down.

Byo Drinks and Nibbles.

Pa and Drums Supplied.

Brought to you by local Business OD Transport.

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2026 Artist EOIs
May
29
to 25 July

2026 Artist EOIs

The Cannery Arts Centre wants to support artists to exhibit, develop and collaborate.

Whether it's a solo show, group exhibition, kids installation, community project, or your first go at curating — we want to hear your ideas.

With the appointment of two new Artistic Directors — Alex Desebrock (Main Gallery) and Rani Fankha (Art Room Gallery) — we’re taking a more strategic and collaborative approach to our exhibition program. We're inviting artists to talk with us, pitch ideas, and dream with us.

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Music & Pizza Night
May
22
5:30 pm17:30

Music & Pizza Night

First Nations-Only Event at the Cannery

To celebrate the exhibition Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming, we're hosting a special First Nations-only evening at the Cannery Arts Centre.

You're invited to come down, connect with community, enjoy live music — and grab a slice of free pizza!

Local legends Kyza and Uncle Henry will be performing live together for only the second time ever. Expect a soulful, heartfelt set in a relaxed and welcoming space. It’s all about good food, good music, and celebrating First Nations art.

Families are welcome, and the event is free to attend.

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Annual General Meeting
May
7
6:00 pm18:00

Annual General Meeting

All members of the Cannery Arts Centre are invited to attend the:

Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 7th May 2025 at 6pm
in the Print Room at the Cannery Arts Centre

An opportunity to hear all about the Cannery’s activities and milestones from 2024 and farewell our Chairperson Tammy Andrews.

Nominations for new committee members are welcome-nomination form to be completed and submitted by 6th May 2025.

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Esperance Sculpture Trail
May
1
to 2 May

Esperance Sculpture Trail

As the end of Stage 1 approaches, FORM are keen to hear your thoughts on the activities that have taken place over the last 12 months where there has been a focus on gaining an understanding of the desires of the Esperance community and its sentiment towards a potential world-class sculpture trail. 

This is a quick survey that will only take a few minutes.

https://engage.form.net.au/esperance-sculpture-trail/survey_tools/esperance-sculpture-trail-evaluation-survey

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STEVE COOKE SCHOLARSHIP 25/26
May
1
to 5 June

STEVE COOKE SCHOLARSHIP 25/26

This scholarship is named in honour of Steve Cooke, glassblower, artist, supporter of the arts and good friend to the Cannery Arts Centre. It has been set up with the support of Debbie Warnes, Steve’s partner. 

To encourage emerging artists we are giving a scholarship to our popular Art Lab series. The artist selected for the Steve Cooke Scholarship will be eligible to select and attend our massive range of Art Lab workshops from July 2024 to end of June 2025 and includes a 12 month membership to the Cannery Arts Centre. 

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Open Mic Night
Apr
18
5:30 pm17:30

Open Mic Night

Join us for a classic Open Mic Night at The Cannery Arts Centre.

Pa system and drums supplied.

Free Entry

Open Mic is brought to you by The Cannery Arts Centre and Kyza Presents and proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay and Od Transport.

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