Bundaberg Regional Council acknowledges the Traditional Country of the Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Peoples and recognises that this country has been and continues to be of cultural, spiritual, social and economic significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
We recognise the thousands of generations of continuous culture that have shaped this country and the people on it.
We pay respects to Elders, past and present.
Mayor's Message
Welcome to the Summer Program for Bundaberg Regional Galleries, featuring a host of new exhibitions and activities to enjoy.
Launching the season in fine style is our summer blockbuster exclusive exhibition, Opal Linda Jackson, in Gallery One at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery.
The exhibition celebrates Linda Jackson AO’s long career in art and fashion and brings together designs that reflect her lifelong passion for opals.
The vibrant and colourful exhibition space will host a range of events throughout the exhibition period, beginning with the Up Late! Exclusive Preview on Friday 15 November.
Opening in Gallery Two, local artist Marlies Oakley’s Papiergeschichten (Paper Stories) offers a glimpse into a dreamlike place, one made of intricately cut images forming a world in miniature.
The immersive installation will fill the gallery space from floor to ceiling, drawing visitors in to explore and discover countless stories and surprises.
Bundaberg Regional Galleries is pleased to continue to support and promote local artists through exhibitions in our gallery spaces, and through the Regional Arts Development Fund.
Round 2 of RADF community funding is now open until 31 December, and I encourage anyone interested to check their eligibility at artsbundaberg.com.au/radf and submit an application.
We all benefit from a strong local arts community, and whether you are a practitioner, an arts lover or a first-time visitor, we hope to see you at the gallery soon!
Helen Blackburn
Bundaberg Region Mayor
Director's Welcome
As the days stretch out and the sun warms up our region, the Galleries are heating up for a mega Summer season!
From mid November, the exclusive Opal Linda Jackson exhibition will be opening its doors to visitors, and it is one not to be missed! If you enjoy frocks and fashion, you are in for an absolute treat!
Iconic Australian designer, Linda Jackson, has been working with us to bring together this collection of Opal garments collated from her 50 year career, and it can only be seen at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery over the summer period!
And, to add more fabulousness to our Galleries, artist Marlies Oakley will be transforming Gallery Two into a 3 dimensional collage wonderland.
Thousands of intricately cut images will be layered on walls, floors and ceilings to take visitors on a whimsical journey.
I have had the pleasure of visiting Marlies' studio during the creation of this exhibition and have been overwhelmed with the intricacy of her work and the way that she has taken this medium to new heights.
To compliment both of these exhibitions, there will be a range of events and workshops, from Creative Crowd to Connecting Creatives, and school holiday activities for our younger art lovers.
For those using the holiday period as a chance to visit historic Childers, pop into the Childers Arts Space to see Red Dirt - a Collection exhibition featuring the iconic landscape of our region.
On a more sombre note, the Galleries will be acknowledging the 16 Days of Activism from 26 November to 10 December with the Red Shoes Public Art Installation at Bundaberg Botanic Gardens.
This project recognises the lives affected by domestic and family violence in our community and has been a significant project undertaken by our Community Arts Development Officer in 2024.
Rebecca McDuff
Gallery Director
EXHIBITIONS
Opal Linda Jackson
Bundaberg Regional Galleries
17 November to 9 February
Gallery One
Opening event: Saturday 16 November | 5 pm
Step into the dazzling world of Linda Jackson AO, one of Australia's most iconic artists and fashion designers, in an exclusive exhibition that offers a rare glimpse into her lifelong passion for opals.
Discover the vibrant inspiration behind many of her stunning creations and immerse yourself in the brilliance that has defined her extraordinary career.
This is an unmissable opportunity to witness the magic of opals through the eyes of a true visionary.
Brought to life by Bundaberg Regional Galleries, Opal Linda Jackson showcases her signature garments from the stunning Black Opal, Rainbow Opal, and Boulder Opal collections.
You'll also be captivated by her remarkable collaborations with Australia's top designers, including the iconic Romance Was Born and the showstopping 2024 Australian Fashion Week partnership with Jordan Gogos.
Don’t miss your chance to experience these masterpieces up close - where art, fashion, and opals unite in a breathtaking celebration of creativity!
Papiergeschichten
Marlies Oakley
17 November to 2 February
Gallery Two
Opening event: Saturday 16 November | 5 pm
Come inside the wonderland that is Papiergeschichten (Paper Stories) this summer at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery.
Created by award-winning collage artist, Marlies Oakley, this immersive exhibition features thousands of intricately cut images from repurposed magazines and vintage books styled into a three-dimensional world where the visitor can roam and choose their own whimsical adventure.
With dreamlike scenes featuring flowers, animals, insects, plants, architecture, and more, installed to fill the gallery space from floor to ceiling, this is an immersive exhibition like no other!
Expect the unexpected this summer with Papiergeschichten, only at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery.
Red Dirt
Bundaberg Regional Galleries Collection
1 November to 16 February
Childers Arts Space
Curator's Talk: Thursday 7 November | 10 am
Reflective of the red volcanic soil that colours our region, Red Dirt features works from the Bundaberg Regional Galleries Collection that celebrate our rich agricultural history and dynamic landscape.
From the richly hued painting of cane fires by Charles Hazzard, to the reflective patchwork of fields depicted in the work by Cyril Gibbs, this exhibition is testament to the vista that the region is known for, and pays heed to its rich and fertile lands.
Swap Shop
Sue Loveday
18 October to 9 February
ImaginArts
Sue Loveday is Brisbane based illustrator and visual art facilitator dedicated to creative play and community collaboration.
Whilst staying in Bundaberg, Sue observed the main street and noticed that shopping is changing. Not only the way we shop but also the look of where we shop.
Inside ImaginArts, you will enter our very own Swap Shop based on the Bundaberg CBD, where you can make, display and swap your art with other artists and shoppers.
Red Shoes Installation
Bundaberg Regional Galleries
26 November to 10 December
Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
6 Mt Perry Road, Bundaberg North
Opening event: Saturday 30 November | 10 am
Don't miss public art display of the Red Shoes Installation, a project that has engaged over 500 participants in our community, recognising lives affected by domestic and family violence.
Los Zapatos Rojos (The Red Shoes) is a collaborative art installation designed by Mexican artist Elina Chauvet and brought to our region by Bundaberg Regional Galleries.
The Red Shoes project commenced in 2009 after the death of Elina's sister in a domestic violence incident.
With more than one woman currently losing their life to gender-based violence in Australia every week, the Red Shoes Installation with its hundreds of pairs of painted shoes laid out in a public space provides a visual representation of the lives lost and a reminder of the continued need for reform around this critical issue.
Bundaberg Regional Galleries launched the project with the artist's permission in May 2024, with Vanessa Fowler, sister of Allison Baden-Clay, painting the first pair of shoes locally. The installation is part of the 16 Days of Activism, an annual international campaign to raise awareness of family and domestic violence.
The installation will be on display at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens behind Fairymead House from Monday 25 November until Tuesday 10 December.
EVENTS
UP LATE! Exclusive preview of Opal Linda Jackson
Friday 15 November | 6.30 to 9 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
This event has been cancelled.
Be among the first to experience the dazzling Opal Linda Jackson exhibition at the Up Late! Exclusive Preview.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet iconic fashion designer and artist, Linda Jackson AO. Hear more about her extraordinary career and view special Opal outfits created just for the event.
Enjoy exclusive access to the exhibition before it opens to the public, photo opportunities, canapes and live music under the stars.
Linda Jackson AO. Photo: Hugh Stewart.
This event has been cancelled.
Art Walk
Wednesday 20 November | 10 am
Wednesday 4 December | 10 am
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
Thursday 7 November | 10 am
Childers Arts Space
Free, no booking required
Join Gallery Director, Rebecca McDuff, as she leads our Summer art walks, with a special artist walk with Papiergeschichten artist, Marlies Oakley on 4 December!
This is a lively and informative way to enjoy the Gallery for art lovers with all levels of knowledge, and concludes with morning tea utilising the Galleries' vintage teacup collection.
Free entry
All welcome
Connecting Creatives: Arts in Fashion
Tuesday 26 November |
5.30 to 7 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
Free, booking required
Enjoy an arts industry networking evening exploring Arts in Fashion with guest speakers Wendy Roe - Australia Wearable Art Awards (Eumundi) and Cindy Vogels - Fashion Designer & Stylist (Gympie).
In a world where fashion often seems homogenized and mass-produced, captivating and innovative wearable art blurs the lines between clothing and artistic expression.
The panel of speakers will explore the different ways the arts is being used to push the boundaries of fashion in regional Queensland, as well as the potential development and employment opportunities this field is offering to artists and arts workers.
Presented by CQUniversity Regional Arts Services Network and Bundaberg Regional Council.
Creative Crowd: Collage Baubles with Marlies Oakley
Wednesday 4 December | 5.30 to 7.30 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
$65 | Booking required
Put an artistic spin on your Christmas decorating with these two Collage Bauble workshops, led by Papiergeschichten artist, Marlies Oakley.
With a glass of festive fizz in hand, Marlies will take you through the process of creating baubles inspired by the incredible installation she has created in the Gallery.
A perfect way to get together with friends and enjoy the last Creative Crowd workshops for 2024!
No experience required! 16 years and over event.
Marlies Oakley, Baubles, 2024, hand cut collage. Photo: Sabrina Lauriston.
Artisan Twilight Markets
Thursday 5 December |
5.30 to 9 pm
Gallery Park
Free, no booking required
As the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle, immerse yourself in the Twilight Artisan Market, timed to coincide with the Christmas Pageant.
Stroll through the market under the soft glow of fairy lights and lanterns, and browse a stunning array of handcrafted gifts, one-of-a-kind artworks, and exquisite goods, perfect for popping under the Christmas tree.
There will also be live music to get you in the spirit of the season! Make your festive season extra special by supporting local artisans and embracing the Christmas spirit at our Twilight Artisan Market!
Photo: Paul Beutel.
Outdoor Art Room: Fabric Painting
Wednesday 8 January |
9 to 11 am
Gallery Park
Free, no booking required
Inspired by the brightly coloured textiles in Opal Linda Jackson, young art lovers will have the opportunity to create their own painted fabrics in this Summertime Outdoor Art Room!
Perfect for ages 4-12 years.
All materials supplied. Adult supervision required.
Lemon Flip: Fabric Dyeing
Tuesday 14 January |
10.30 am to 12.30 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
$15 | Booking required
The Lemon Flip workshop series are a Collective Youth Arts Workshop series designed for participants aged 12-17 years who are keen to connect and work with artists to learn new skills.
In this Fabric Dyeing workshop, the Galleries' Public Programs Officer will teach the skills to dye your own fabrics using tie-dye and shabori techniques.
The skills learnt in this workshop can be applied to curriculum based learning and enhance the arts development of emerging artists.
Ages 12 - 17 years. All materials supplied.
Lemon Flip: Collage Techniques with Marlies Oakley
Thursday 23 January |
10.30 am to 12.30 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
$15 | Booking required
The Lemon Flip workshop series are a Collective Youth Arts Workshop series designed for participants aged 12-17 years who are keen to connect and work with artists to learn new skills.
In this Collage Techniques workshop, Papiergeschichten artist Marlies Oakley will showcase new ways with collage techniques that lend themselves to contemporary arts practice, as well as give insight into the incredible installation she has created for Bundaberg Regional Galleries.
As with all Lemon Flip workshops, the skills learnt can be applied to curriculum based learning and enhance the development of emerging artists.
Ages 12 - 17 years. All materials supplied.
Photo: Sabrina Lauriston.
School Holiday Gallery Trails
Gallery Opening Hours throughout the Summer Holidays
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Arts Space
Free, no booking required
These school holidays take the opportunity to learn more about the exhibitions by picking up a Gallery Trail and exploring the spaces in a fun and engaging way!
While Gallery Trails are created for young art lovers, visitors of all ages, will enjoy the opportunity to learn more about Opal Linda Jackson and Red Dirt.
Gallery Trails are available for free as you enter at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Arts Space.
Teacher Professional Development: Collage with Marlies Oakley
Tuesday 4 February | 5.30 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
$60 | booking required
Join Bundaberg based artist Marlies Oakley for a three hour workshop exploring traditional and contemporary collage techniques.
This professional development is suitable for all Visual Art teachers as well as primary teachers who are interested in exploring different art techniques and media for the classroom.
Booking includes drinks, light refreshments, our 2025 professional development kit and all art materials supplied.
Photo: Sabrina Lauriston.
GET INVOLVED
Gallery Shops
This festive season support regional artists, and choose from the range of creative gifts found in our Gallery Shops!
Our inspirational shops are well-stocked with distinctive items crafted by talented artisans from our region, across Queensland, and beyond.
Whether you are in search of the perfect gift or just in need of some retail therapy, you can't go past our range of jewellery, books, textiles, homewares, and clothing.
There are also exclusive product lines linked to exhibitions, exhibition catalogues and fun merchandise, so make sure to add the Gallery Shops to your retail itinerary.
Volunteers
Ever thought being part of a Gallery Crew looks fun? Why not think about volunteering with us!
Volunteers are an important and highly valued part of the operations of Bundaberg Regional Galleries. Working at either the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery or the Childers Arts Space, our volunteers are involved in front of house activities, workshops, and events.
Our volunteers range in age and life experience, from students through to retirees, and people in the workforce who just want to undertake some volunteer activities in a creative, fun environment! We tailor our volunteer roster based on your availability and there are no expectations for minimum hours of work.
If this sounds like you, reach out to Bundaberg Regional Galleries on 41304750 or email today to enquire!
Local funding available for creative projects
The Regional Arts Development Fund provides support for arts projects and activities. Areas of support include individual professional development, workshops, innovative arts development, creative industry development and initiatives.
Find out how a RADF grant can make your project idea a reality. Visit our website today.
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