Textile art by Racheldaisy Dodd, 2024. Image by Carli Wilson, Still Smith Studio.
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Welcome to our creative city
Ballarat is working to become the city of the sustainable and resilient practitioner, and we’re supporting all forms of artist, maker, creative and producer. Whether you are seeking to develop a fine arts practice and devote yourself to being a professional practising artist, or wanting to grow your creative business, the City of Ballarat wants to see you succeed. Designated a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art we’re steadily working towards economic resilience through support of the micro and artisanal.
Here you’ll be able to find opportunities for makers, creatives and artists alike. We’re working to create a clearinghouse of opportunities - expressions of interest, open jobs and other briefs - and support networks you can call on. You can also find out what kind of happenings are going on around town, perfect for the local creative. We profile our growing community of artists, makers, performers and producers, building a better city for all.
Ballarat’s heart of creativity
Over two years the City of Ballarat was focused on the development of it’s Creative City Strategy. This strategy is one that embraces the energies of makers, crafters, artists, innovators, entrepreneurs and problem solvers, linking them closer to the engine room of the city’s heart.
We know that a creative city is one that can wear the changes in economic forces, delivers new ideas, drives businesses to grow and delivers greater community cohesion and wellbeing. The creative sector in Ballarat is crucial to our prosperity, helping create better people and better places to live and work. It is creative thinking that helps all sectors to blossom, and underpins a healthier, happier and wealthier city. The City of Ballarat is dedicated to embedding creativity within its very fabric.
Current Projects & News
Image: Myleah Bailey by Still Smith Studios
Image: Between Us, contemporary theatre - Dr Rob Reid
In a dark place by ReVerse Butcher
Image: Wahine on the Mahina by Von Hep.
Ballarat craft & Design Week 2026
Meet the cohort for 2026
Ballarat Craft and Design Week (BCDW) takes the five years of achievements of Craft Lab and is extending it.The inaugural event will showcase meaningful partnerships between makers, designers, manufacturers, and producers, exploring ideas of textile, memory, and restorative practices. The program reflects Ballarat’s commitment as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art to foster innovation, sustainability, and cultural connection. Following a competitive application process, a select cohort of collaborations has been chosen to participate in a comprehensive professional development program. These partnerships will culminate in a curated exhibition and public program featuring hands-on workshops, talks, retail opportunities, and immersive experiences during the festival.
SETTING THEATRE & PERFORMANCE ALIGHT
New workshops available
Creative Ballarat is pleased to be working with emergent theatre and performance group, The Rat Lab, on a tailored development program. The Rat Lab is a small group of independent artists who provide rehearsal space and support to Ballarat performing artists including writers, performers, directors and creators.They exist exist to foster and celebrate new performance work for Ballarat audiences.
Ignite is an exciting new artist development program from The Rat Lab supporting Ballarat writers and performers to develop new work and build creative skills. Applications for PilotLight and SpotLight open December 2025. They are open to writers and performers located in the Ballarat region (both new/emerging and established).
Torn Textures & Hybrid Glyphs. exhibition by reverse butcher
18 Dec 25 to 25 Jan 2026
Torn Textures & Hybrid Glyphs: VISPO, Altered Texts & Altered Realities brings together forty-eight new VISPO works, digital and screen-based pieces, videopoems, and immersive 3D artworks created by hand in virtual reality.
The exhibition explores the fluid border between text, image, and space—extending visual poetry into sculptural and virtual realms using a hybrid methodology grounded in collage, altered texts, hand-painted materials, VR-based 3D construction, & videopoetic works. No generative AI was used in the creation of any artwork.
Gallery Hours: Wed–Sun, 11am–4pm
14 Lydiard St Nth, Ballarat.
mid century mayhen by
von hep
12 Dec 25 - 28 Jan 26| Unicorn Lane
Ballarat emerging artist, Von Hep, is inspired by the aesthetics of 1950s and 1960s commercial art, the vibrant colours, bold design, and dynamic spirit of mid-century style.
Influences from classic sci-fi and horror movies, the Beat Generation, tiki, and pop culture are ever-present in his pieces, which reflect a nostalgic yet contemporary vision.
Unicorn Lane can be viewed 24/7 daily.
Located just off Sturt Street, near the corner of Lydiard St, Ballarat.
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FIND PLACES TO GO
There are heaps of tiny galleries, small studios, workspaces and hiding places for our creative community. Have a little scout of our open studios and micro-enterprises.
FIND WHAT’S ON
Looking for a great night out? A local experience? Check out Ballarat In the Know, designed by locals for locals.
Or do you have an event, exhibition or show you want to promote?
‘Cut Off Your Hands’ jewellery - Alana Smith - pic by Tony Evans (2023)
Weaver Ana Peditis at work - pic by Tony Evans (2023)
Activating the city streets. Artist Kelsie White takes over Mackenzie Street