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
Winter is a wonderful time to connect with the arts across our region, and this season’s Galleries program offers an inspiring experience for residents and visitors alike.
I am especially pleased to highlight the vibrant Childers program, which beautifully complements the much-loved Childers Festival, which is celebrating its 30th birthday in July.
Childers continues to shine as a place where creativity and community come together.
The 'Childers Sketchbook' workshop with Nita Rosher invites participants to slow down and capture the essence of place, fostering both artistic expression and a deeper appreciation of the town’s unique character.
At Childers Arts Space, Nita's Telling Stories exhibition celebrates the diverse narratives that shape the Childers community, offering a thoughtful reflection on shared experiences and identity.
Meanwhile, the Childers Festival Community Arts Wall provides an inclusive and collaborative opportunity for festival-goers to contribute to a living artwork, showcasing the creativity and pride of our region.
Together, these initiatives highlight the important role of arts and culture in strengthening community connections and celebrating local identity.
I encourage everyone to explore the program, support our artists and experience all that our region has to offer this winter.
Helen Blackburn
Bundaberg Region Mayor
Director's Welcome
As the days cool down, our galleries are warming up with an exciting winter season of exhibitions and events.
We’re delighted to share a fresh and inspiring program that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and contemporary ideas across a range of artistic practices.
A highlight of the season is A Wearable Canvas, arriving from late July in collaboration with the Australian Wearable Art Festival.
This unique exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience these extraordinary garments up close and appreciate the remarkable detail, innovation and skill of their designers.
To mark the exhibition, a range of special events will take place, including the Wearable Canvas Gala Event on Saturday 5 September, presented as part of the 2026 Taste Bundaberg Festival.
Guests will enjoy an elegant evening in stunning gallery surrounds, with additional Australian Wearable Art Festival outfits modelled throughout the night — a truly memorable celebration not to be missed.
Complementing A Wearable Canvas is Mieke van den Berg’s striking installation One Thread Many Loops in The Vault.
Extending the use of textile materials into sculptural form, this immersive work envelops visitors in a striking environment of red crocheted forms suspended throughout the space.
Winter is well and truly the season for textiles to take centre stage at Bundaberg Regional Galleries.
We look forward to welcoming you to these exhibitions, along with our wider program of events and experiences, throughout the cooler months ahead.
Rebecca McDuff
Gallery Director
EXHIBITIONS
On display until July
Gallery One
Lost in Palm Springs
HOTA
27 April to 18 July
Gallery Two
Shifting Perspectives: the Self Reconciliation Project
Avi Amesbury
27 April to 11 July
The Vault
Post Truth
Darren Blackman
27 April to 18 July
Childers Arts Space
Metal in Motion
Kevin Dekker
8 May to 5 July
A Wearable Canvas
Australian Wearable Art Festival
25 July to 10 October
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
Gallery One
Opening: Friday 24 July | 5.30 - 7.30 pm
Gala: Saturday 5 September | 6.30 pm
The Australian Wearable Art Festival (AWAF) is an annual showcase of wearable art, located on the Sunshine Coast, and 2026 marks the event's sixth year.
This captivating exhibition features a collection of winning pieces from the AWAF's past shows, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience these remarkable works up close.
Bringing together designers and artists, the festival is a platform for embracing this unique and exciting exploration into form, structure, texture and colour using an eclectic mix of often unusual materials.
Pieces merge materials in weird and wonderful collaborations where art, science, fashion and technology all collide.
A Wearable Canvas is an opportunity to see a selection of these remarkable garments in a gallery space, showcasing the intricate details and techniques that are used to create these wearable masterpieces.
Exhibits represent the diversity of AWAF categories, including Trashion, Sustainable Nature, Avant-Garde and Floriana, and exemplify the best of national and international wearable art.
For a sneak peek of what is on offer in the exhibition, why not attend the 2026 Australian Wearable Art Festival on 11 July, Novotel Sunshine Coast.
Mieke van den Berg, Embodied Labour, 2024, yarn.
Mieke van den Berg, Embodied Labour, 2024, yarn.
One Thread Many Loops: the Encoded Materiality of Home
Mieke van den Berg
25 July to 10 October
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
The Vault
Opening: Friday 24 July | 5.30 - 7.30 pm
Artist talk: Saturday 25 July | 11 am
Workshop: Saturday 25 July | 1 pm
In One Thread Many Loops: the Encoded Materiality of Home , Mieke van den Berg explores the domestic life of a mother, developing a personal language through conceptual art-making in the intimate setting of her home.
Mieke's strong sculptural works are created using red thread to symbolise time, domesticity, connecting lineage, societal interconnections, anger and power, as well as wool to represent the thread of time and her childhood memories.
Through the repetitive and time-consuming methods of crocheting and stitching, the artist uncovers new perspectives, revealing unique relationships between invisible domestic labour and the expectations placed on women to donate their time in a male dominated world.
At the core of One Thread Many Loops: the Encoded Materiality of Home are the works 'Embodied Labour' and 'Housework', with the endurance required to create these works reflective of the monotonous duties performed by women.
Through this installation, Mieke aims to validate women's work and expose the burden of invisible labour while paying tribute to her foremothes who laboured in silence.
Shifting Ground
25 July to 3 October
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
Gallery Two
Curated by Larissa Warren
Opening: Friday 24 July | 5.30 - 7.30 pm
Curator's talk: Saturday 25 July | 10 am
Art walk: Wednesday 29 July | 10 am
Shifting Ground is a celebratory exhibition that explores how clay, as both material and metaphor, can carry stories across time, connecting past makers with present-day artists.
By sharing locally sourced clays, material research and community stories, this project invites reflection on resilience, place-based practice and the unseen labour of creative women in regional Australia.
Shifting Ground showcases a stunning selection of ceramic works by twelve contemporary Australian artists, alongside a poignant collection of historical pieces by pioneering potters from the Tamborine Mountain region.
Each piece is crafted from Tambourine Mountain's native volcanic clays, uniting artists - both past and present- and highlighting the deep connection between place, material and tradition.
Artists: Pie Bolton (VIC), Veronica Cay (QLD), Vicki Grima (NSW), Stephanie James-Manttan (SA), Nicolette Johnson (QLD), Yen Yen Lo (VIC), Jackie Masters (WA), Pru Morrison (QLD), Julie Pennington (ACT), Ulrica Trulsson (QLD), Larissa Warren (QLD) and Sarah Zalewski (QLD).
Veronica Cay, memory housing, 2021, Keane's white raku, Poplars, Mountain Mix clays inlayed into the surface, Red Retreat and Hillside terra sigillata/slips, Japanese tissue transfer, finished with hot wax (encaustic) and cold wax. Image: Christine Hall.
Veronica Cay, memory housing, 2021, Keane's white raku, Poplars, Mountain Mix clays inlayed into the surface, Red Retreat and Hillside terra sigillata/slips, Japanese tissue transfer, finished with hot wax (encaustic) and cold wax. Image: Christine Hall.
Nita Rosher, Time to Harvest, 2026, Collograph.
Nita Rosher, Time to Harvest, 2026, Collograph.
Telling Stories
Nita Rosher
11 July to 6 September
Childers Arts Space
Opening event: Saturday 11 July | 2 - 4 pm
Art walk: Wednesday 5 August | 10 am
Workshop: Thursday 23 July | 10 am - 12 pm
Telling Stories is a celebration of family and community life by Queensland based artist and educator, Nita Rosher.
Nita creates artworks from observations of daily life in the Childers region that she calls home and this exhibition pays homage to the hardworking people, local agriculture and vibrant landscape that surrounds her.
Skillfully employing drawing, painting and printmaking techniques, Nita's practice spans decades.
This exhibition is a showcase of her creative journey, encompassing both retrospective and new artworks that speak to the richness and value of living in regional Queensland.
The Nature of Silk: The Glad Not Sad Book
Kim Michelle Toft
2 May to 10 October
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
ImaginArts
The Nature of Silk brings the colourful silk art of Kim Michelle Toft to Bundaberg Regional Galleries.
Based on the illustrations in Kim's latest picture book, The Glad Not Sad Book, the exhibition features 10 of Kim's hand drawn and painted silk artworks, alongside working sketches and early manuscripts, and is set to delight gallery visitors young and old.
Kim has dedicated her life to writing and illustrating children's books, showcasing the beauty and importance of nature and its role in our lives.
The Glad Not Sad Book is Kim's 12th environmental picture book.
EVENTS
Art walk: Metal in Motion
Wednesday 10 June | 10 am
Childers Arts Space
Free, no booking required
Join Gallery Director, Rebecca McDuff, as she chats to artist, Kevin Dekker about his solo exhibition Metal in Motion.
Using reclaimed metals as well as wood, stone and ceramics to create his artworks, Kevin's practice extends from the smaller sculptures exhibited in Metal in Motion through to large-scale public artworks and this artform has been his passion since his school days.
The event will finish with morning tea in the beautiful surrounds of the Childers Arts Space.
All welcome, no RSVP required.
Artist Panel: Avi Amesbury + Darren Blackman
Wednesday 17 June | 5.30 - 7 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
Free, no booking required
Join artists Avi Amesbury The Reconciliation Project and Darren Blackman Post Truth as they speak with Gallery Director, Rebecca McDuff, in this special artist panel event.
Exploring the stories behind their exhibitions, and the convergence of self-exploration that led them to these seminal works, both artists will share insight into their arts practice and the personal journeys that have informed their work.
All welcome, no RSVP required.
Messner Mountain Museum Corones (detail) by Zaha Hadid Architects in South Tyrol,Italy. (2015) Photographed by Tom Blachford.
Messner Mountain Museum Corones (detail) by Zaha Hadid Architects in South Tyrol,Italy. (2015) Photographed by Tom Blachford.
Translating Space: Photography Masterclass with Tom Blachford
Saturday 27 June | 10 am - 1 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
$30, under 25s $15, booking required
Tom Blachford, Lost in Palm Springs featured artist, brings his expertise to this exclusive workshop for photographers interested in the urban and built environment.
He will share insights from his professional practice, including his distinctive graphic approach, and guide participants through the creative process from capture to post-production.
Based in Melbourne, Tom has worked with leading architects and been featured in major publications.
Intermediate photography skills required.
Opening Weekend at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
Join us for an exhibition opening weekend packed with events, artist talks and workshops!
Friday 24 July | 5.30 pm
Opening event for Wearable Canvas, One Thread Many Loops and Shifting Ground.
Free, no booking required.
Saturday 25 July | 10 am
Curators talk with Larissa Warren
Join Gallery Director, Rebecca McDuff, as she talks with curator Larissa Warren about the collaborative process behind our latest exhibition Shifting Ground.
Larissa will provide insights into the curation process and discuss the different approaches to ceramic production seen in the artworks being exhibited.
Free, no booking required.
Saturday 25 July | 11 am
Artist talk with Mieke van den Berg
Artist Mieke van den Berg lifts the lid on her incredible sculptural practice, giving insight into her use of thread and wool to create the installation that is One Thread, Many Loops.
Free, no booking required.
Saturday 25 July 1pm - 3pm
Creative Crochet Workshop with Mieke van den Berg
After the artist talk, Mieke will be hosting a special one-off workshop centred around the art of crochet.
Participants will be guided through the process of creating their own crocheted wool vessels inspired by her exhibition.
The workshop connects participants with the meditative process of crochet, allowing a reflection on the themes of domestic labour and invisible work that sit behind One Thread Many Loops.
Cost $45. Tickets on sale 30 June 2026.
Exhibition opening: Telling Stories
Saturday 11 July | 2 - 4 pm
Childers Arts Space
Free, no RSVP required
Celebrate the opening of Telling Stories by Queensland-based artist and educator Nita Rosher at Childers Arts Space.
This special evening marks the launch of an exhibition that reflects on family life, community connections, and the unique character of Childers region.
Join us to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments in the welcoming surrounds of Childers Arts Space.
All welcome, no RSVP required.
Nita Rosher, Community Matters, 2026, Drypoint, 25 x 30cm.
Nita Rosher, Community Matters, 2026, Drypoint, 25 x 30cm.
Childers Sketchbook with Nita Rosher
Thursday 23 July | 10 am - 12 pm
Childers Arts Space
$30, under 25s $15, booking required
Join artist Nita Rosher (Telling Stories) for a lively, people-focused drawing workshop during the Childers Festival.
Capture the energy and character of the event through observational sketching in the CBD.
Through guided exercises, you’ll learn to draw quickly and intuitively from life, focusing on movement and interaction.
Your sketches will then be refined with watercolour and coloured pencil on the Childers Art Space verandah.
All skill levels welcome. All materials provided.
Pru Morrison, A day in the life of a potter, 2023, stoneware with various Tamborine Mountain clay terra sigillata. Courtesy of the artist.
Pru Morrison, A day in the life of a potter, 2023, stoneware with various Tamborine Mountain clay terra sigillata. Courtesy of the artist.
Friday Night Studio: Everyday Icons with Pru Morrison
Friday 21 August | 5.30 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
$30, under 25s $15, booking required
Inspired by Pru Morrison’s Shifting Ground, this hands-on workshop explores domestic objects and monumental forms through drawing, collage and mixed media.
Guided by Pru, participants will experiment with block prints, layered materials and familiar imagery.
Reflecting her use of satire and feminist commentary, the workshop invites creative exploration of everyday life.
Participants should bring found or personal images of household objects.
Ages: 15+
Friday Night Studio: Silk Painting with Kim Toft
Friday 9 October | 5.30 - 8 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
$75, booking required
Join artist and author, Kim Toft (The Nature of Silk) for a relaxed, hands-on evening exploring silk painting.
Inspired by Kim's vibrant and evocative artworks, participants will experiment with silk and dyes to create their own work, all in one guided session with all materials provided.
All skill levels welcome.
A Wearable Canvas Gala Event
Saturday 5 September | 6.30 pm
Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
$80, booking required
As part of the 2026 Taste Festival, Bundaberg Regional Galleries is partnering with the Australian Wearable Art Festival to host this exclusive event, set in the stunning surrounds of the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery.
Expect the unexpected, as we unveil a parade of never-before-seen wearable artworks, with artists from across Queensland, showcasing new and innovative designs.
Beyond the runway, immerse yourself in intimate artist talks, offering rare insight into the minds and methods behind these striking creations, and hear first hand from the duo behind the Australian Wearable Art Festival, Wendy Roe and Helen Perry.
To compliment the visual feast, there will be a curated culinary experience, featuring canapes and bespoke cocktails crafted exclusively for the event.
Join us for the Wearable Canvas Gala - a one-night-only celebration of creativity and the uniqueness of wearable art.
Cost $80. Tickets on sale soon.
ArtsLab
ArtsLab: Beyond Emerging - Sustaining a Creative Career
Tuesday 9 June | 5.30 - 7.30 pm
Moncrieff Entertainment Centre
Free, booking required
This ArtsLab panel brings together established artists Dave Quarell, Kate Neal and Mark Lavender to explore what it takes to build and sustain a professional creative practice.
Drawing on their diverse experiences across artforms, the panel will share insights into navigating career pathways, responding to challenges and evolving a practice over time.
The discussion will focus on career development beyond the emerging stage, including diversifying income streams, opportunities for growth and strategies for long-term sustainability in the arts sector.
Facilitated by Di Wills, the session encourages open discussion, practical insight and a conversational format that supports shared learning and professional reflection.
ArtsLab: Workshop to Workshop
Saturday 29 June | 10 am - 1 pm
Kate Victoria Creative Studio
196 Bourbong St, Bundaberg
$25-$55, booking required
A practical, entry-level session designed to help emerging artists build the skills and confidence to design and deliver their own creative workshops.
Led by Kate Neal (Kate Victoria Creative), this hands-on ArtsLab explores how to plan, structure, promote and facilitate an engaging workshop.
Through a supportive, discussion-based format, participants will gain practical insights, simple tools, and leave with a “plan on a page”, a clear outline for their own workshop.
This session focuses on confidence-building, knowledge-sharing and supporting artists to expand their practice into facilitation
ArtsLab: Wellbeing for Artists
Tuesday 7 July | 5.30 - 7 pm
Online
Free, booking required
A 90-minute online workshop for artists exploring the mental and emotional side of creative practice.
This session offers a space to better understand the patterns that can shape creativity, from self-doubt and pressure to feeling stuck or overwhelmed, and introduces practical ways to work with them more effectively.
Facilitated by Menaka Thomas, an Indian fusion singer with a background in counselling, yoga therapy and physiotherapy, this workshop combines lived artistic experience with simple, body-based and reflective approaches.
Participants will gain tools to feel more grounded, build self-trust and support a more sustainable creative practice.
Childers Festival Community Arts Wall
Sunday 26 July | 9 am - 3.30 pm
Stall 72 – Festival Street Area
The Palace Laneway
Free, no booking required
See what your unique creativity and the community can make together.
This art wall activity transforms everyday people into co-creators, through exploration and spontaneous engagement.
See the mural evolve in real time as a vibrant living canvas of imagination and collaboration through immersive, inclusive art.
This is a relaxed drop-in activity with no artistic experience needed.
It is accessible, welcoming and joyful, as every participant chooses their own individual space to contribute at their own pace.
All welcome.
Call for Young Artists - Postcard Exchange Project
EOI now open
Free, apply online
Bundaberg Regional Galleries is seeking five young emerging artists (25 and under) to create original postcard artworks for the Postcard Exchange Project, launching during Mental Health Week 2026.
This paid opportunity invites artists to explore themes of place, community and connection, with selected works printed and shared across Bundaberg, Gin Gin and Childers.
Each artist will receive a $500 commission and be featured as part of a region-wide community art initiative.
Open to young creatives of all experience levels with a connection to the Bundaberg Region.
Open Space
Closing 31 December
Bundaberg School of Arts
Bourbong Street
Free, apply online
Calling emerging artists and arts groups ready to showcase their work.
Open Space offers the chance to present a two-week exhibition at the School of Arts, with up to $1,000 in in-kind support to help bring your ideas to life and reduce barriers to participation.
Test new ideas, present your first show, and connect with local audiences.
Artist-led and community-focused, Open Space supports emerging, culturally diverse and First Nations artists, activating the gallery as a vibrant, accessible creative hub.
Expressions of Interest are now open via SmartyGrants.
VISIT
Gallery shops
Discover an inspiring selection of artful gifts and locally crafted treasures at the Gallery Shops, located within Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Arts Space.
Each shop celebrates the creativity of makers from the Bundaberg Region, across Queensland and beyond.
Explore a thoughtfully curated range of jewellery, textiles, homewares, books and unique exhibition merchandise - perfect for art lovers and curious browsers alike.
Whether you're hunting for a meaningful gift or treating yourself to something special, the gallery shops offer a vibrant retail experience that showcases craftsmanship, creativity and local talent.
Local funding available for creative projects
RADF supports local artists, arts workers and community groups to bring creative projects to life.
Now is your chance to access project funding, workshops and professional development to make your ideas a reality.
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
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