It’s big. It’s biennial. And we’d love for you to be part of it!
By donating an artwork, you’ll support The Cannery and help keep our creative programs running.
Here’s how to get involved…
Radical Futures is the core theme for the third Regional Arts Triennial, which will comprise of a group of local exhibitions/performances developed and presented in what is now known as regional Western Australia during 2025. A subsequent selective showcase will be shown in John Curtin Gallery, Perth during 2026 bringing regional futures to metropolitan Western Australia.
The works for our regional exhibition, to be held at the Cannery Arts Centre 2 January 2026-22 February 2026. The exhibition will be judged and artworks chosen for the metropolitan exhibition at John Curtin Gallery October 23rd - Dec 1st 2026.
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Image: Allira Henderson’s artwork ‘Three Sheets to the Wind’ from [IN] SITE: An Open Borders Exhibition at the Cannery Arts Centre 2023. Photo by Lynda Horn.
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.
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Join exhibiting artists Rani Fankha (RE:connecting) and Alex Desebrock (Tree Listening) for a relaxed, in-depth tour through their exhibitions at the Cannery Arts Centre.
Rani and Alex will guide you through their creative spaces, sharing the stories, concepts, and techniques behind their works.
Free to attend, with drinks available for purchase.
Spaces are limited—please register here to secure your spot.
Co-presented with Esperance Community Arts Centre
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.
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.
Join us for an open conversation about trees with Wudjari Elder Annie Dabb, and botanist Katie White hosted by our current artist in residence Alex Desebrock
Wander, draw, and listen as Resident Artist Alex Desebrock leads a gentle, poetic walk at Lake Monjinup—tuning into the whispers, scents, and stories of the trees.
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.
There Goes The Sun returns to The Cannery Arts Centre round garden for Summer 2024 with a stacked lineup featuring: CIAOBOY, RATSALAD, Ricky Neil JR, Hey So Hungry, The Arid Ones, Death By Boredom, Rachel Vibart . There is honestly something for everyone in this diverse array of sounds.
Were going to go a little mad with decorations, the event drawing its inspiration and theme from epic Spielberg movie Jurassic Park. Expect Dinosaurs, Expect Epic Rosie Hendo dramatic gorgeous installs and feel free to come dressed as anything or anyone prehistoric.
Livvy will be providing the food with some delicious treats, and expect all your favourites at the bar.
Epic thanks to our sponsors, Elders Insurance Esperance, ESP Esperance, Esperance Chalet Village, Elpha and ELETE Many thanks to supporters The Shire Of Esperance and Regional Arts WA.
This event is strictly 18 +
Explore the unique elements of Esperance through an interactive, community-driven art project at the Cannery Arts Centre, Art Room Gallery. Running alongside the Esperance Art Awards 2024, this exhibition invites participants of all ages to express their connection to Esperance's wild waters, strong winds, and rugged landscapes.
Inspired by Oscar Munrillo’s The Flooded Garden, join us over the summer holidays to create a collaborative artwork celebrating the beauty and spirit of this incredible place.
Painting involved—dress for mess! Children must be supervised.
Tuesday to Fridays ONLY
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.
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.
Since inception Balmy Nights has grown steadily to become a fully-fledged music and arts festival. Evolving from a live music focussed outing into a celebration of the multiple artistic mediums delivered at The Cannery Arts Centre. Supporting events have been created held in Esperance and Hopetoun, to invite the wider community to experience elements of our primary event.
Our 2024 line-up is exceptional featuring Perth based acts Legs Electric, Luci and Sunny Flowers. WA regional act Tanya Ransom and Esperance artists RORK, Big Heart Adventure and Laura Petrie.
Balmy Nights challenges the perception of an Arts Centre event, fusing live music with all The Cannery has to offer. In 2024 the Cannery is set to host the Esperance Art Awards with the exhibition launch set for Thursday Nov 21st, Main Gallery open to view across our primary event Saturday Nov 23rd. Pottery Studio, Print Room, Courtyard and Music Centre are all marked to be activated in new and exciting ways.
Balmy Nights is brought to you by Kyza Presents and The Cannery Arts Centre. Supported by The Esperance Ag Fund and the Fremantle Foundation.
Many thanks to our sponsors, Luxe Floral & Home Co, Tim Green Construction, Elders Insurance Esperance, Tide & Co, TV Financial, The Lillypad, Wells Building Designers & Consultants, Coffee Cat, Soul Support Services, E.S.P Museum Village, Naturally Esperance, Ivy House and The Vibart Family.
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.
Balmy Nights 7th outing falls on November 23rd 2024 - can’t wait to see you there!
18+
Learn about the Esperance Sculpture Trail artist in residence Stuart McMillan's time here in Esperance, his work with the community, and a summary of his findings.
Free to attend-registrations encouraged.
This artist residency is part of pre-project community consultation for the Esperance Sculpture Trail project and has been coordinated alongside FORM Building A State of Creativity. FORM is leading Community Consultation for the Esperance Sculpture Trail, which is supported by the Mt Burdett foundation and Lotterywest.
In 2019, the Mt Burdett Foundation was established by Chris Reichstein, owner of Mount Burdett Farm, with a vision to create a vibrant, resilient Esperance community. Before his passing in 2021, Chris had a vision “to create a world class sculpture trail of high quality, unique installations that respond to the dramatic land and seascape of Esperance.” Through his legacy and the support of the Mt Burdett Foundation, not-for-profit arts and cultural organisation FORM Building a State of Creativity is partnering with the project Steering Committee to test this vision with the Esperance community, listen, and collaborate on an outcome that takes this vision as a starting point, and meets community needs and aspirations.
The Esperance Art Awards are the major visual arts awards open to artists living in the South-East Region of WA. It showcases and celebrates the works of emerging and established artists in an exhibition judged by an impartial arts professional. Since 1969 the Cannery Arts Centre has hosted this iconic event with support from multiple sponsors to the delight of artists and visitors alike.
We invite artists to submit works for delivery 4-8 November 10am-4pm each day with extension to 5pm on 8 November 2024.
Awards and Opening Night 21 November 2024 6pm
Exhibition 21 November 2024-9 February 2025
Terms and Conditions - click link to view
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.
FORM Building a State of Creativity and The Cannery Arts Centre are thrilled to introduce you to Stu McMillan, who will be taking up residence at the Cannery in October/November as part of the Esperance Sculpture Trail project.
Stu is a multidisciplinary artist based amongst the forests, bushland, caves, waterways and coastline of Wadandi Boodja - Margaret River Region, which he’s called home for more than 20 years. Translating his experience of the world using a diverse sensory pallet including and not limited to sculpture, photography, painting, print media, drawing and immersive installation, Stu continues to explore concepts of the human condition, interested in how the external world influences the internal being, within a myriad of habitats.
Please join us in the Art Room to find out more about what Stu will be doing as part of his Esperance Sculpture Trail residency, which involves working with the community to explore the theme of 'The Spirit of Esperance Kepa Kurl’.
Free to attend-registrations encouraged.
This artist residency is part of pre-project community consultation for the Esperance Sculpture Trail project and has been coordinated alongside FORM Building A State of Creativity. FORM is leading Community Consultation for the Esperance Sculpture Trail, which is supported by the Mt Burdett foundation and Lotterywest.
In 2019, the Mt Burdett Foundation was established by Chris Reichstein, owner of Mount Burdett Farm, with a vision to create a vibrant, resilient Esperance community. Before his passing in 2021, Chris had a vision “to create a world class sculpture trail of high quality, unique installations that respond to the dramatic land and seascape of Esperance.” Through his legacy and the support of the Mt Burdett Foundation, not-for-profit arts and cultural organisation FORM Building a State of Creativity is partnering with the project Steering Committee to test this vision with the Esperance community, listen, and collaborate on an outcome that takes this vision as a starting point, and meets community needs and aspirations.
What The Eyes Cannot See is a community collaborative storytelling project facilitated by Fremantle based artists Audrey Fernandes-Satar and Arif Satar in partnership with the Cannery Arts Centre for the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial.
Community members have been participating in art making workshops creating a series of Story Books and Memory Objects reflecting their sense of identity, culture and connection to place. The Story Books are fashioned as a Zine, short for Magazine, an innovative way of creating a small book by folding creasing and re-folding paper to create artistic books exploring the concept of ‘codified’ messages using a mixed media of collage drawing, writing and painting. The creation of Memory Objects by using the medium of ceramics involved the development of skills in hand building techniques to create 3D objects as ‘codified’ forms that capture the essence of individual stories exploring the concept of What The Eyes Cannot See, leading to an abstraction of sorts when individual works are compiled into collective assemblages. The community works will be exhibited as an installation at the Cannery Arts Centre gallery alongside the artworks created by Audrey and Arif. This is a satellite exhibition for IOTA24. IOTA24 is the short name for the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial 2024
Exhibition opens 6pm 17th October and runs until 17 November.
The Forage Garden Reactivation Project, facilitated by passionate gardener Silke Apel, owner operator of Leafy Greens Esperance, sees a weekly open day for participants to come together in the safe and inclusive Forage garden space, an opportunity to socialise and garden. Morning sessions will be open to the general public, particularly seniors, and afternoons for children. Additionally, there will be short workshops and a longer two-day weekend course, focusing on permaculture gardening principles.
The Forage Garden Reactivation Project will start in September 2024 with Open Days, workshops and courses-Compost 101 and Plant Propagation available to book into now.
Supported by the Department of Communities through the 2023-24 Community Gardens Grants Program
As part of an initiative to gather metals and materiel for future stages of this project, Artist in Residence, Loren will be running an 'E-Waste Buy-Back' gathering on Friday 27 September. Promising “Pizza for Parts”, you are invited to donate your out-of-date electronics to the artist in exchange for a fresh pizza. The artist will be mining precious metals from these electronics as part of an experimental smelting process.
Please come with electronics that are no smaller than a finger, no larger than a body: this can include power cords, phones, television screens, computers, monitors, remote controls, speakers, instrument cables, and other electronics that are safe to handle. Loren will keep these items, so please make sure you are ready to let them go for good.
This workshop is free and open to all aged 16+. Bookings are essential and are available for individuals or pairs arriving in ten-minute intervals. This is a BYO event.
This experience takes approximately 10 minutes per individual/pair, with the invitation to stay, eat, and socialise afterwards. Please arrive on-time for your scheduled time slot. Note this event takes place outdoors, so kindly dress appropriately for you. This event involves reading, listening and conversation, as well as standing, walking, and climbing stairs. If you have any access or mobility concerns, please get in touch and we can work with you to find the right way to participate.
The Cannery Arts Centre is located in Kepa Kurl on Wudjari Boodja. We acknowledge the Nyungar and Ngadju people as the traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waterways we live and work on. We extend our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging and honour their continued and enduring ties to our country and culture - sovereignty was never ceded. We also acknowledge our local and surrounding LGBTQIA+ and disability communities and endeavour to uphold an inclusive, safe and respectable collaborative working environment for all.
As part of an initiative to gather metals and materiel for future stages of this project, Artist in Residence, Loren will be running an 'E-Waste Buy-Back' gathering on Friday 27 September. Promising “Pizza for Parts”, you are invited to donate your out-of-date electronics to the artist in exchange for a fresh pizza. The artist will be mining precious metals from these electronics as part of an experimental smelting process.
Please come with electronics that are no smaller than a finger, no larger than a body: this can include power cords, phones, television screens, computers, monitors, remote controls, speakers, instrument cables, and other electronics that are safe to handle. Loren will keep these items, so please make sure you are ready to let them go for good.
This workshop is free and open to all aged 16+. Bookings are essential and are available for individuals or pairs arriving in ten-minute intervals. This is a BYO event.
Join us in a celebration of the seasons as we shake off the Winter and welcome the Spring. Hosted on Kepa Kurl Boodja, home of the Wudjari people.
Rosie Henderson and Kyron Smithson join forces to present a unique event experience, held in the Cannery Arts Centre Main Gallery.
Live performance will set the vibe for the night featuring a warm and welcoming beginning with Campbell Garratt and Paige Valentine. Kick things up a little with fantastic Perth based Funk/Soul act RHY, and finally bring it home with the pulsing rhythms of DJ Doris.The.Baddie and DJ Ciaoboy.
The Cannery Arts Centre Main Gallery is a gorgeous event space, Rosie Henderson’s deft hand set to bring the room to life with wide ranging decorations and artistic install, reflecting the events intention.
Cannery Bar serving up delicious beverages accompanied by Livvy's gorgeous Gozlemes.
Many thanks to our local Sponsors Artique and Esperance Window Cleaning.
Supported by Rotary Club of Esperance, Regional Arts WA and The Shire Of Esperance.
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.
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.
An atmospheric, outdoor evening of live music, spooky tales, and dark fiction with a connection to the region featuring local writers and Kyza from Grand Casual.
Friday 17th May - 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Cannery Arts Centre - Round Garden
BYO drinks, picnic hamper, snacks, and whatever else makes you comfy to enjoy this immersive event. *smokefree event
$20 Adults
$10 Under 18yrs - 15+yrs recommended
$50 Families
Sponsored by the Mt Burdett Foundation
The Cannery Arts Centre committee invite all Cannery Arts Centre members to attend our Annual General Meeting. Hear what we’ve been up to, celebrate our achievements and applaud the announcement of a new life member.
Are you passionate about our cause and eager to play a more active role? Consider joining our committee! Comprising a vibrant mix of individuals, our committee is the driving force behind the Cannery's success. No matter your background, all skills and perspectives can help shape our future endeavours. Nominations and expressions of interest for committee positions are highly encouraged and can be made by contacting us today!
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.
Head to the Cannery Arts Centre for an Easter Long Weekend Kyza Presents hosted Open Mic Night.
Beautiful space, beautiful vibes, free entry, BYO.
Drums and Pa Supplied.
Brought to you by The Cannery Arts Centre, Kyza Presents, Shire Of Esperance and Regional Arts WA.
Come down to the Cannery Arts Centre and off to the left-hand side of Norseman Road; our Forage Community Garden is attached to the far side of the Innerspace Building.
Kat Walkerden will lead a group of keen volunteers to tinker away at any necessary work to keep our garden beds and vegetables in full swing all year round. Join us, bring a friend, make some more, and create in our vibrant, natural haven.
Head along to The Cannery Arts Centre for a classic Open Mic Night
Free Entry * BYO * Pa and Drums supplied
Cannery Arts Centre Open Mics are proudly supported by Mineral Resources Limited
And brought to you by the Cannery Arts Centre, Kyza Presents, RAWA and The Shire Of Esperance
We're thrilled to announce an upcoming exclusive event centred around the unparalleled artistry of Nerelie Derbyshire. As part of this exceptional occasion, we are set to auction exquisite pieces by the esteemed artist, with proceeds going to the RFDS.
However, the event goes beyond a simple auction. In our smaller gallery, a showcase of additional works by Nerelie Derbyshire displaying her art and also the artist's background and inspirations.
The Cannery Arts Centre proudly invites the community to its notorious biennial 9x5 Art Auction which celebrates the creativity of local, national and international artists and raises funds to support The Cannery’s not-for-profit activities.
This year’s 9x5s have been exhibiting in the main gallery since the 10th of November, with silent bids being placed along the course of the showing. On the 17th of December, the highly anticipated live bidding will take place, giving our community a chance to go home with a piece of their own.
Come down to enjoy the nibbles, hit the Cannery bar and bid on a beautiful little gem for your wall.
Head along to The Cannery Arts Centre for a classic Open Mic Night
Free Entry * BYO * Pa and Drums supplied
Cannery Arts Centre Open Mics are proudly supported by Mineral Resources Limited
And brought to you by the Cannery Arts Centre, Kyza Presents, RAWA and The Shire Of Esperance
Since inception, Balmy Nights has grown steadily to become a fully-fledged Music and Arts Festival. Evolving from a live music-focused outing into a celebration of the multiple artistic mediums delivered at The Cannery Arts Centre. Supporting events have been created, to invite the wider community to experience elements of our primary event.
In 2023, Paige Valentine (Full Band) hits The Cannery Arts Centre off the back of a string of releases, with her national tour wrapping up at Balmy Nights on November 25th. King Ibis, Drea and 2023 WAM Regional Song of the Year winners Sunny Day join us from further afield with locals DJ Tasty, Rachel Vibart and Talia Storm taking the stage.
Balmy Nights challenge the perception of an Arts Centre event, fusing live music with all The Cannery has to offer. CAC’s 9x5 exhibition was an absolute hit in 2021, the perfect fit for Balmy Nights, returning in 2023 with local, regional and national artwork on display. Pottery Studio, Shop Space, Art Room and Print Room are all marked to be activated in new and exciting ways, we cannot wait for you to experience them.
Balmy Nights is brought to you by Kyza Presents and The Cannery Arts Centre. Supported by The Mt Burdett Foundation and our key local sponsor Luxe Floral and Home Co.
May thanks to our sponsors, Luxe floral and Home Co, Esperance Window Cleaning, Elders Insurance Esperance, Tim Green Construction, Bob and Jims Fruit and Veg, TV Financial, The Lillypad, Wells Building Designers and Consultants and The Vibart Family.
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.
Balmy Nights' sixth outing falls on November 25th 2022, can’t wait to see you there!
18+
Artist in Residence Ana Tiquia has returned to complete Seeder Futures, the artwork she has been developing over the last 12 months as a part of her SPACED Rural Utopias residency here at the Cannery Arts Centre in Kepa Kurl / Esperance.
The exhibition at the Esperance Museum will feature videos of Esperance community members who actively give and share with others through diverse community initiatives. The video installation features interviews with Annie Dabb, Christiane Smith, Jennene Riggs, Karli Florisson, Kat Walkerden, Katie White, Kyron Smithson, Megan McDowall and Sam Starcevich.
The project is deeply inspired by the generosity and community spirit of the people of Esperance. Ana had the opportunity to witness the remarkable acts of giving, sharing, and volunteering of time, knowledge, skills, and resources during her stay in the Esperance community. "Seeder Futures" encapsulates the ethos of giving and explores the concept of gift economies within a community. It serves as a reflection and celebration of the essential role that giving plays in building and strengthening a connected and vibrant community.
Seeder Futures Exhibition
16-19 November 2023
1.30-4.30pm
Esperance Museum - Museum admission fee applies
