The ACT’s leading ceramic arts centre
Canberra Potters is the leading ceramic arts organisation in the ACT and one of Australia’s only fully integrated ceramics centres. Since 1975, it has shaped ceramics in the ACT, fostering creativity, skill, and connection.
Located at the Watson Arts Centre, only 5kms from Canberra’s CBD, Canberra Potters offers learning programs for all levels of ceramic practice, professional ceramics facilities, a gallery featuring local, national and international exhibitions and associated programs and events, an onsite artist in residence program, a retail outlet, artist studios and tranquil outdoor spaces.
We are dedicated to celebrating and advancing ceramic arts, promoting excellence and innovation and fostering appreciation of handcrafted ceramics in the broader community and encourage the professional development of its members.
As a not-for profit membership-based association we are supported by artsACT through grant funding from the ACT government but finance 80% of our running costs through our own activities and income streams. We are the sole tenant of Watson Arts Centre, managing the public facility on behalf of the ACT government.
Our site facilities include two teaching workshops, a members-only workshop, a professional gallery space, a retail shop for the work of a selected group of members and kilns and glazing facilities. There are four studios for rent to ceramic artists plus a further studio and accommodation for an artist-in-residence program.
An extensive program of day and evening classes is run for adults and children throughout the year, including during school holiday periods. Special interest classes and short courses and masterclasses workshops conducted by professional artists and potters are also held throughout the year.
The gallery features a program of by application and by invitation exhibitions and events featuring ACT based, national and international artists, that highlight the diversity and depth of ceramics as a medium and artform, alongside other art practices.
Membership of Canberra Potters is open to anyone with an interest in pottery. Benefits include monthly email updates, use of wheels and equipment at member-access sessions in the members-only workshop, a firing service, kiln hire, discounts on classes and discounts at some pottery supply retail outlets.
Canberra Potters membership encompasses a wide range of abilities, ages and interests with members ranging from raw beginners to full-time professional potters.
Canberra Potters is managed by a volunteer Board. Operations across the organisation’s activities are delivered by a passionate and professional team of core staff including the CEO, Education Director, Gallery Manager, Shop Manager, Workshops and Facilities Coordinator, Technical Officer and Technical assistant. Classes and courses are delivered by a strong team of experienced teachers supported by learning support assistants.
