21 February 2025

Cultural and Creative Forum


Join us at The Cannery Arts Centre for the Esperance Sculpture Trail Cultural and Creative Forum on Friday, 21 February 2025, and immerse yourself in essential conversations shaping the future of art and tourism in Western Australia and beyond.

Presented by FORM Building a State of Creativity, this FREE event is designed for creatives, cultural practitioners, and anyone interested in learning about cultural tourism and Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP).

Kickstart the day with networking over morning tea before diving into a talk from Michael Deller (FORM's Senior Cultural Tourism Specialist). Michael will discuss the Esperance Sculpture Trail Project, community engagement findings, and the transformative power of cultural tourism. Then, explore the complexities of ICIP in-depth during a comprehensive workshop led by Terri Janke and Company, featuring real-world examples, practical strategies for protecting ICIP, and the legal vs. best practice requirements for engaging with Traditional Owners. Experience a unique blend of knowledge-sharing and community connection as we wrap up with a cultural walking tour by Dabungool Cultural Experiences and an informal sundowner at a local venue. 

Spaces are strictly limited! Secure your free ticket now and be part of a vital discussion on shaping Esperance’s cultural future!

BOOK HERE

SCHEDULE

Schedule

☕9:00AM - Arrival, networking and morning tea

🖋️ 9:30AM - Presentation | The Esperance Sculpture Trail Project & Cultural/Regenerative Tourism by Michael Deller (FORM Building a State of Creativity)

🖋️10:30AM - Presentation | Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) by Laura Melrose

🥪 11:00AM - Lunch catered by Bread Local

🖋️ 12:00PM - Workshop | ICIP with Laura Melrose 

☕ Time TBC - Afternoon Tea provided
🚶‍♀️4:30PM - Walking Tour | Dabungool Cultural Experiences from the Cannery to sundowner location

This event is supported by the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission.

March 2025

Initial community engagement phase completed

02 September 2024

Artist in Residency Expressions of Interest

FORM has an exciting opportunity for an artist to undertake a residency at the Cannery Art Centre in Esperance, as part of pre-project community consultation for the Esperance Sculpture Trail project.

We are seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from artists to produce 3D artwork and develop creative concepts that explore the theme of ‘The Spirit of Esperance Kepa Kurl’. Artworks can be finished or evolving, however must reflect on the identity, culture and place of Esperance.


For more information on how to apply, please see the Artist Brief, or get in touch on 08 9385 2200 or via michael.deller@form.net.au.

Expressions of Interest are due no later than 10:00AM AWST, Monday, 2 September 2024.

18 October → 19 October 2024

Esperance Agricultural Show!

Come and say hello to us at the Esperance Agricultural Show. We have an indoor stall to connect with you all over the duration of the show.

You can learn more about the project, ask questions and share your thoughts and ideas PLUS there will be sculpture themed colouring in competition for the kids! 

See you there!

Friday 18th of october, 9am - 7pm

Saturday 19th of October, 9am - 4pm

More info about the show HERE !

21 October → 11 November 2024

Artist in Residence - Stu McMillan

The Esperance Sculpture Trail includes an artist residency at the Cannery Art Centre in Esperance, as part of pre-project community consultation for the Esperance Sculpture Trail project.

Through an expression of interest process the artists Stu McMillan has been selected as the artist in residence. Stu is a multidisciplinary artist based amongst the forests, bushland, caves, waterways and coastline of Wadandi Boodja - Margaret River Region which I’ve called home for more than 20 years. Translating my experience of the world using a diverse sensory pallet including and not limited to sculpture, photography, painting, print media, drawing and immersive installation, I continue to explore concepts of the human condition, interested in how the external world influences the internal being, within a myriad of habitats. 

The artist will produce 3D artwork and develop creative concepts that explore the theme of ‘The Spirit of Esperance Kepa Kurl’. Artworks can be finished or evolving, and will reflect on the identity, culture and place of Esperance. This will provide an opportunity for the Esperance arts community and community at large to interact with the artist and the theme through artist talks, workshops as well as having open studio times throughout the 3 week residency. This will give both inspiration and capacity building to the arts community in particular.

These workshops include a printmaking on October 25th and a drawing workshop on November 1st at The Cannery. These are bookable workshops so keep an eye on the Cannery's page here - The Cannery Workshops 

Check out Stuarts website here - Stuart McMillan

See the original artist brief and expression of interest information HERE

20 October 2024

Artist Talk - Esperance Sculpture Trail Aritist in Residence

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.


EVENT DETAILS

REGISTER HERE!

WHAT. Artist Talk by Stu McMillan

WHEN. 3pm - 5pm, Sunday 20th of October

WHERE. The Cannery Arts Centre, in the Art Room


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.


23 October 2024

Artist Talk and Workshop - Stu McMillan

FORM Building a State of Creativity and Esperance Community Arts are thrilled to invite you to this artist talk and workshop by Stuart McMillan, who is the Esperance Sculpture Trail artist-in-residence at the Cannery Arts Centre in October/November.
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.


Dive into Stu's creative practice through a talk and artist Q&A. He will then also provide further insight into his work as he guides you through a drawing workshop, followed by an opportunity to network, connect and meet fellow attendees.


EVENT DETAILS

REGISTER HERE!

WHAT. Artist talk and Workshop by Stu McMillan

WHEN. 6pm - 8pm, Wednesday 23rd October

WHERE. Esperance Community Arts, Museum Village, Shop 6/54 Dempster St, Esperance WA  

This artist residency and workshop 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.
NOTE: This event is free to attend, but registration is essential as places are limited.


25 October 2024

Wild Nature Mono-Printing Workshop with Stu McMillan

Join the Esperance Sculpture Trail artist-in-residence Stuart McMillan exploring Mono printing using nature as inspiration. Experiment and play with different natural found materials, using ink plates and paper to create your own unique artwork. Looking at landscape and environment, understanding the vastness (horizons and ranges) to the macro worlds of pattern and connection (flora, mycelium, geology etc ) that exist around the area. How can we capture the flora, rocks, soil, sea, and water ways using tools and experimental methods?


EVENT DETAILS

REGISTER HERE! 

WHAT. Mono-Printing Workshop with Stu McMillan

WHEN. 5pm-7pm , Friday 25th of October

WHERE. The Cannery Arts Centre 

All materials are provided.
For adults and teens 16 years and older.
Free to attend - registrations are essential - space is limited.


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. 
01 November 2024

Converge Esperance Conference

The Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry is delighted to announce Converge Esperance - a new business and industry forum for Esperance, led by the ECCI, in partnership with the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission.

The event will showcase the best of Esperance, connecting local business with industry leaders, celebrating success and building confidence and capability in our vital local business sectors.

 As part of the Converge Esperance Conference Michael Deller, from FORM, will be presenting on the positive impact of Arts on community, on its ability to bring communities together and share stories. Plus the economic impact that can come from Arts events in regional. Michael will also be introducing the Esperance Sculpture Trail Project as well as providing an update on the project so far 

Converge Esperance will bring attendees together for a one-day conference on 1 November 2024, featuring presentations from inspirational keynote speakers, industry leaders, leading economists, and business services experts.

A number of smaller events will wrap around the Converge Esperance conference including one-on-one sessions and group workshops presented by guest speakers, networking and sundowner functions, and local tours. As well as providing high quality thought leadership, professional development and networking opportunities for the local business sector, Converge Esperance will support the local economy boosting local expenditure and business participation, and attracting visitors to the region.


Check out the event page for more information and to purchase tickets here  - CONVERGE ESPERANCE


01 November 2024

Drawing-Breath & Mark Making workshop with Stu McMillan

Join Esperance Sculpture Trail artist-in-residence Stuart McMillan drawing using naturally foraged materials and visualising environmental elements—a way to see what nature can offer in terms of inspiration, connection and creation. Making tools and using traditional drawing methods, we’ll explore how to look at nature with a deeper vision. How can a breath be a mark on a page? Or a gust of wind be a mark in the sand? We’ll explore what mark-making is and how its embedded in many cultural histories from charcoal to pigment inks. Make a quill pen, charcoal sticks & drawing implements. All materials provided-free to attend-registrations essential.


EVENT DETAILS

REGISTER HERE!

WHAT. Drawing-Breath & Mark Making workshop with Stu McMillan 

WHEN. 5pm - 7pm, Friday 1st November

WHERE. The Cannery Arts Centre

All materials are provided.
Adults and teens 16 years and older.
Free to attend - registrations essential - limited places.


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.
07 November 2024

Art Wander with Stu McMillan

Come for a casual stroll with Esperance Sculpture Trail artist-in-residence Stu McMillan and chat about some of the amazing art around the Esperance foreshore. From sculpture, murals and gathering spaces, celebrate these beautiful creations and discuss how art in the public domain can enhance towns and share stories for years to come. Meet at Cindy Poole and Jason Wooldridge's The Whale Tail on the Esplanade. 

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event, but registration is essential. 

REGISTER HERE!

08 November 2024

Artist Talk - End of artist residency talk by Stu McMillan

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.


WHAT. End of Residency talk by Stu McMillan

WHEN. 4pm - 6pm, Friday 8th November

WHERE. The Cannery Arts Centre

ABOUT THE ESPERANCE SCULPTURE TRAIL
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 
16 November 2024

Artist Workhsop. From Hobby to Pro: taking the next steps in your artistic career

Artist Workhsop. From Hobby to Pro: taking the next steps in your artistic career

This workshop aims to provide a crash course or road map to taking the next step in their art career. It will include; 

  • Business set-up, planning and structure (tax, business types, business plan)
  • Licensing / contracting
  • Moral rights / copy right
  • Grant support for emerging artists (what’s available and how to apply, grant application writing)
  • Accounting software / Quoting / invoicing – NAVAA rates, software
  • Pricing of works
  • Some take home resources to take those next steps

Plus a guest facilitator will speak to themes such as the importance of your brand and story as an artist, how to articulate your story and your evolution as an artist. Lastly the workshop will have a Q&A with our facilitator plus local artists about their journey, some challenges they have faced and will be a great opportunity to hear first-hand how to navigate the professional arts landscape.

This workshop will be beneficial if you are taking your first steps in your artistic career or if you are an established artist. we want you to leave inspired as well as having some actionable items to help you take those next steps.

Date. Saturday 16th of November

Location. Esperance Community Arts

A link to register your interest will be here soon!

The workshop is a part of the capacity building for the arts community in Esperance and is in response to their requests and interests.  

30 November 2024

Edge of the Bay Festival

We will be at the Edge of the Bay Festival with a stall to chat all about the Esperance Sculpture Trail project. Come down for a chat with Michael!

There will be a colouring in competition as well as make your own LEGO mini sculpture!

Where. Esperance Youth Precinct

When. Saturday 30th November, 10am - 6pm