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Walter Reid Cultural Centre OPen Day
July 25 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Rockhampton’s vibrant creative heart will open its doors this July as the Walter Reid Cultural Centre (WRCC) hosts its much-anticipated annual Open Day on Saturday 25 July, from 10am to 3pm, offering free entry to the public.
Located at the corner of East and Derby Streets, the WRCC has been a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life since 1977. This historic building now houses more than a dozen local arts organisations spanning performing arts, visual arts, craft, design, film and music, making it one of Central Queensland’s most dynamic creative hubs.
A full day of creative discovery
Across the Walter Reid, visitors will be able to explore an exciting and diverse program of open studios, exhibitions, demonstrations and performances including:
CQ Contemporary Artists (CQCA) warmly welcome visitors to a drop-in style painting workshop for all ages in their 1st floor studio and view original art for sale. In addition, CQCA will host an artist’s talk at 11am in Gallery 6, ground floor as part of their exhibition ‘Beyond the Banks.’ Come and hear the artists talk about their work.
The Embroiderers Guild will welcome visitors into their studio to share current projects, with opportunities for guests to bring along their own work for discussion and advice.
Capricornia Printmakers Inc studio will be open to visitors where they can watch members working on prints throughout the day, plus there will be a drop-in activity – Print a picture using pre-cut lino plates, suitable for children and adults.
Fibre Arts Inc will showcase spinning, weaving and a range of fibre-based crafts in action. Their studio will host their usual “craft, cuppa and chat” where visitors can come and check out their fabulous library of books and equipment, exemplars from past workshops, and a list of upcoming workshops.
Capricorn Potters Group will present wheel-throwing demonstrations in the ground floor foyer, alongside gallery displays, sales and workshop experiences on the second floor.
Rockhampton Rail Modellers Association will have their intricate railway layouts in motion, with visitors invited to take control and run a model train themselves.
Rockhampton Little Theatre will have performers roaming the Centre in character promoting their upcoming events.
Rockhampton Lapidary Club will have an open studio with their regular junior session at 9am – 11.30am and adults 1.30pm – 4pm.
Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS) will host oil painting demonstrations by Coral Morris and Heather Bull plus Geli Plate demonstrations by Christine Hayman. Don’t miss acrylic displays and watercolour demonstrations by members of the RQAS team and the RQAS Art Gallery on Floor 1, Room 1 will be open for browsing. All welcome.
Music lovers can enjoy a special ticketed performance in the auditorium, with CQ Strings and Unisong Choir from Rockhampton Youth Orchestra Inc. presenting “French Favorites”. Tickets are available at the door: Adults $10 | Concession & Children (5–18) $8 | Family (2 adults + 2 children) $28.
Whether you’re an arts enthusiast, a curious first-time visitor, or a young person looking to get involved, the Walter Reid Open Day offers a welcoming entry point into the region’s rich cultural life.
Come and experience the creativity, meet the makers, and discover why the Walter Reid Cultural Centre is truly where art connects