Bundaberg potter Anita Goldspink has been inspired to launch her creative career after participating in a locally held workshop with internationally recognised and award-winning ceramics artist Larissa Warren.
The workshop, ‘Nerikomi: The Art of Coloured Clay’, was held in April 2025 and supported by Bundaberg Regional Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Since attending, Anita has pursued training and development opportunities to expand her technical knowledge in ceramics and build her career as a professional artist.
She said the inspirational workshop with Larissa opened up doors for a number of the participants.
“What began as a funded opportunity has evolved into a self-sustaining creative network, strengthened by shared experience and mutual encouragement,” Anita said.
“The success of this initiative highlights the value of continued investment in regional arts.
“Access to professional mentorship and exposure can have a lasting impact, particularly in communities where such opportunities are limited.”
Anita is currently undertaking a year-long residency at The Art and Pottery Studio as she prepares for her first solo exhibition.
“The goal of my residency year is to study and explore the ceramic beauty of local Bundaberg wild clays,” she said.
“My goal is to establish myself as a Bundaberg ceramics artist, running workshops and producing artworks from Bundaberg that can be exhibited and sold in national and international art markets.
“I’m also organising an exhibition at the School of Art on Bourbong Street in the CBD titled ‘Made of Bundaberg’ to publicly showcase the diversity and amazing natural beauty of Bundaberg wild clays.”
Anita’s exhibition is part of Council’s Open Spaces program which provides emerging artists opportunities to showcase their artwork in a pop-up exhibition.
Funded by RADF, the program includes support from Bundaberg Regional Galleries staff to assist artists with staging their exhibitions and developing their professional practice.
Anita said RADF support was important for local artists, especially those starting out in their desired profession.
“The support provided via the RADF program teaches you a lot about how to present your artwork, as well as the work it takes to fund it, make it and show it in compelling and attractive ways for regional audiences,” she said.
“Having access to the Bundaberg Regional Galleries team’s wealth of knowledge about the arts and the arts market in the Wide Bay Burnett, as well as potential opportunities state-wide, is a valuable education resource.
“I’d like to mention the incredible support I get from The Art and Pottery Studio team with time, space, kiln firing, advice and guidance and providing me a space to make, display and talk about my work with the local community.
“Without The Art and Pottery Studio team, I wouldn’t be able to grow my skills and my business as quickly as I have this year via their artist residency program.”
Anita will host a wild clay workshop at The Art and Pottery Studio in October, sharing her knowledge and love of the medium with participants.
‘Shifting Ground’, an exhibition of ceramic works curated by Larissa Warren, will be on display at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery from Saturday 25 July.
Wild Clay workshop
When: Saturday 3 October, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: The Art and Pottery Studio, 4/16 Collins Street, Bundaberg East
Cost: $150, booking required
Made of Bundaberg exhibition
When: 30 November – 12 December 2026
Where: Bundaberg School of Arts, Bourbong Street
Free (optional gold coin donation to go towards helping fight homelessness).
Shifting Ground exhibition
When: 25 July – 3 October
Where: Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery
Free. More information available on the Galleries’ website.
About RADF
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Bundaberg Regional Council to promote local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports delivery of Queensland’s Time to Shine, a 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priority to strengthen Queenslanders’ access to enriching arts and cultural experiences.
“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Each year, RADF programs reach more than one million people across Queensland, securing local arts experiences and cultural tourism opportunities in regional areas, as well as supporting local artists in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies.
“The Crisafulli Government will continue to support these vital collaborations.”
