The Potters In Protest Fundraising Event
Potters in Protest is an initiative by Britt Neech of Clae Studio uniting two of our favourite things — gelato and ceramics!
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson | Photography: Lillie Thompson
“Over 300 ceramic bowls have been donated from makers all over Australia - with some even making their way from Australian potters living in Vietnam and Singapore!” shares Britt Neech from Clae Studio. Photo - Lillie Thompson.
Ceramicist Britt Neech of Clae Studio knew she had to do something to help after seeing all the bushfire devastation over summer, and the government's attitude to the climate emergency. She had seen Potters in Protest pop up in the US and Sydney, and decided it was time for Melbourne's action.
While the summer was filled with trauma and destruction, seeing the community come together has been awe-inspiring, and this Saturday (1st February) over 300 ceramicists have donated handmade bowls for a bushfire fundraiser. Melbourne's Piccolina Gelataria will be filling each bowl with gelato in their store in Collingwood.
“We have a whole range of bowls - big, small, colourful and earthy!” says Britt Neech. Photo - Lillie Thompson.
Ice-cream and ceramics at the Potters In Protest fundraising event, held this Saturday (1st February). Photo - Lillie Thompson.
Melbourne's Piccolina Gelataria will be filling each bowl with gelato in their store in Collingwood in Melbourne this Saturday, 1st February. Photo - Lillie Thompson.
“The coming together of Australians in light of the bush fire tragedy is heart-warming and the generosity and leadership being demonstrated by individuals and small businesses is a real source of hope.”
The premise is simple; for $30, you get to eat the ice cream and keep the bowl! And with 100% of the proceeds going to the Australian Conservation Foundation, it's a sweet treat for a really good cause. The foundation works towards helping the environment, and after the recent fires, they’re focused on making sure those who are in charge are working to prevent these climate change-based disasters. "ACF is putting pressure on the Australian Government to make urgent decisions to transition to clean energy among other amazing initiatives which will protect our natural environment," Britt adds.
“I knew that I wanted the charity to be one that helps the environment.”
Among the 300 Australian ceramicists who have donated includes Leaf and Thread, Mountain Clay, Benna, Oh Hey Grace, Mud Australia, and Simone Karras — the fundraiser also offers a reflection on the diverse ceramic community in this country. "There will be a perfect bowl for everyone!” Britt shares. “Ceramicists have donated from all over Australia (and even a couple on residencies abroad).”
But Britt really believes that the most important take away from the event is about Australian creatives coming together to fight for something bigger than themselves. Small businesses and self-employed artists and designers are showing that they can campaign for action through their little communities, offering a source of hope in dark times.
“100% of proceeds will be donated to the Australian Conservation Foundation who are putting pressure on the Australian Government to make urgent decisions to transition to clean energy,” shares Britt Neech. Photo - Lillie Thompson.
Ice-cream and ceramics at the Potters In Protest fundraising event, held this Saturday (1st February). Photo - Lillie Thompson.
VISIT
POTTERS IN PROTEST - 12-3PM SATURDAY 1ST OF FEBRUARY - 296 SMITH STREET, COLLINGWOOD, MELBOURNE