Art meets heart as Empty Bowls brings creative compassion to Canberra

Posted on 17 June, 2025

It’s a simple concept: choose a bowl made by a local artist, fill it with a warm curry, eat mindfully, then carry it home empty – a powerful reminder of those facing food insecurity in our local community.

This July, art lovers and community members will gather together to take part in Empty Bowls, a global grassroots movement to end hunger, as it comes to Canberra for the very first time.

Beginning in Michigan in the early 1990s, the goal of Empty Bowls is to raise money and awareness for food security programs and organisations fighting hunger. Taking place at Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre on Saturday 12 July, the force behind the first Canberra iteration of the event is Amy Beggs-French, the founder of Deep Blue Ceramics.

Starting her business in 2018 and opening her current studio space in Weston in 2023, Amy began Deep Blue Ceramics after realising she wanted to offer the local community something meaningful that combined creativity, community, and wellbeing – some of the same driving forces between Empty Bowls.

“I’ve known about the Empty Bowls movement for some time and always felt it would be a perfect fit for Canberra – a creative, caring city with a strong community spirit,” she says.

“I wanted to bring Empty Bowls to Canberra as a tangible way for our creative community to support those experiencing food insecurity. There’s something powerful about sharing a meal and leaving with a reminder of the impact you’ve made. It’s art with heart – and Canberra is ready for that kind of meaningful event.”

Credit: Lighthouse Studio.

Including a warm lunch of rice and vegetarian curry catered by community cult favourite Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant, all proceeds from the $40 ticket will go directly to HelpingACT, a local charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

Running for two hours, attendees will also leave with a unique ceramic bowl made by a local artist or community member – a reminder of the change the event can make.

“Fundraisers like Empty Bowls not only raise money – they raise awareness, strengthen community ties, and offer a hopeful vision of what’s possible when we come together with compassion and creativity,” explains Amy.

“I hope people walk away feeling nourished in every sense – body, heart, and soul.”

Bringing it back to the community in every sense of the word – Rama’s offer to cater the event reflects the spirit of Empty Bowls, while HelpingACT takes a grassroots, human-centred approach that aligns with the values of the initiative – all the funds raised on the day will directly support food distribution programs and bring dignity and comfort to those who need it most.

And with the cold weather upon us, it’s also a timely reminder that art can make real impact.

“Guests can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with handmade beauty, meaningful conversation, and the joy of giving back,” says Amy.

“Empty Bowls is truly a team effort, and it’s a beautiful example of what can happen when creativity meets kindness.”

Feature image: Lee-Anne Cooper.