• Purpose-built spaces: Enjoy light-filled 29.5m2 studios designed for ceramicists, complete with shelving, a sturdy wedging table, sinks, and heating — everything you need to create comfortably.

• Secure, convenient access: Your own studio space with 24/7 electronic entry and free on-site parking.

• Great location: Nestled in the heart of Watson, Canberra, our studios are easily accessible, part of a dynamic, specialist ceramics centre and set in beautiful leafy grounds.

• A vibrant community: Connect with fellow makers, share ideas, and be part of a supportive local, national and international ceramics network.

• Shared creative spaces: Enjoy use of communal areas, including our sunny deck and shared work zones, perfect for connecting with other makers.

• Kiln access: Book and use our kilns (subject to availability and training) to bring your work to completion on-site.

• Professional pathways: Take part in exhibitions, open studios, market days, and events that can help you grow your profile and reach new audiences.

We welcome applications from ceramic artists and potters — emerging or established — who are actively developing a career in ceramics and committed to a regular studio practice.

Tenants must maintain a professional standard of work, contribute to the artistic and community life of the centre and actively promote their studio location and association with Canberra Potters. This includes:

• utilising the studio a minimum of 10 hours per week;
• participating in The Australian Ceramics Association (TACA) open days, Canberra Potters open days and events and relevant ACT Arts events as part of the annual Canberra Potters program;
• co-promoting Canberra Potters through social media tagging and posting.

When you rent a studio at Canberra Potters, you’re not just getting a workspace — you’re joining one of Australia’s most established ceramics communities.

• Affordable Rent: $445 per month, or $480 per month for shared tenancies (maximum 2 people) for 29.5m2 studio space. Monthly rent includes GST and reasonable electricity usage. Annual CPI rental increases apply. Applicants will need to show they can meet rental commitments through payslips, tax returns, or other documentation.

• Flexible terms: Studios are offered on a three-year licence, with the option to extend for another two years (conditions apply). Requests for licence variation must be submitted to the CEO for approval a minimum of one month before the licence termination date. Shorter terms (ie. less than three years) may be considered at the discretion of Canberra Potters. Licenses are lodged with ACT Government.

• Bond & key deposit: A security bond of one month rent in advance and a key deposit are required at the start of the licence.

• Insurance: Tenants must hold current Public Liability Insurance. Affordable cover is available through The Australian Ceramics Association, and proof of insurance must be provided annually.

• Kiln Use: When applying for a studio, potential tenants will need to consider and advise of their kiln requirements. Canberra Potters has a number of electric and gas kilns. The electric kilns are heavily used for the large amount of student work, for which a quick turn-around is expected. It may be necessary for kiln needs to be discussed with the Technical Manager before submitting a studio application.

1. Artist Statement

A clear, well written artists statement that outlines your current ceramics practice, what you aim to achieve in the future and a short summary of your achievements to date. Include your social media accounts and website if you have one. (up to 250 words)

2. Studio Proposal

A studio proposal that includes an outline of you current working situation, how a Canberra Potters studio will progress and enhance your professional practice, how often you propose using the studio on average (noting this may vary over time), how you will contribute to the Canberra Potters community. If you are proposing a shared studio tenancy, include the name of the other applicant. Each applicant will need to fill in an application form. (up to 300 words)

3. Your making requirements

Details of the kind of work you make and propose making and the equipment you use, including any nonstandard pottery equipment, large, noisy, or high-power usage equipment. Whether you produce work for exhibition and /or sale and if so, the kinds of venues you produce for eg. galleries, markets, retail outlets, own website or through social media. (up to 300 words)

4. Kiln requirements

Details of your expected kiln use requirements. including frequency of use and kiln types, electric, gas etc.

5. Your Artistic CV

A 1-2 page artist CV outlining activities relevant to the artist studio application. This may include arts related education and training, exhibitions and or events you have participated in, awards, residencies or grants you have received and galleries or retail outlets that stock your work. (Uploaded)

6. Images

A minimum of 4, maximum 6 images of your work. Images should be in jpg format, of high quality and no larger than 1MB each. Images should be clear and good quality and showcase your work. Include 2 close up images of your work that show quality of details of production techniques. (Uploaded)

7. Proof of Income

Your most recent Tax Notice, recent payslips (3), letter from your employer or a profit/loss statement for your business. (Uploaded)

8. Referees

Contact details for 2 professional referees including name, email address and mobile number. At least one referee must be from the arts sector.

Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel including the Canberra Potters CEO and Board.

Applications will be assessed by the panel against criteria including:

• The quality of the application
• Suitability of practice for studio and facilities
• The applicants career stage and how studio access will enable career development and enhance the applicants creative practice
• Whether the applicant is actively exhibiting or selling their work and how their practice is being recognised by their peers and/or the public
• The applicant’s engagement with the local arts or ceramics community
• Consideration of diversity of demographics, practice and career stage, amongst studio holders

Licence decisions are final and cannot be negotiated.