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.

arts atlas 2.0

A revamped site for creative connections

Are you looking for exhibition space? A collaborator? Maybe a bass player or rehearsal space? Maybe you want to license your work, or secure representation? Maybe you simply want to sell your work at markets.

Arts Atlas has evolved to respond to what you’ve told us you want - to connect with other creative people who match you. Simply click the things you’re seeking from a creative partnership, and Arts Atlas will let you know who and what’s available.

Arts Atlas will help you find your next opportunity and connection by profiling your creative services and skills, highlighting the opportunities you’re looking for. You can search for people whose work reflects your own, and you can profile your work for others.

Creative Inspiration grant
OPen 1 - 28 September 2025

The 2025/26 Creative Inspiration Grant round has opened.

The grant is open to people and businesses from all creative sectors with 9 grants of $5,000 available to support your creative practice, a new project, idea or event.

To be eligible applicants must live, work and/or study in the Ballarat municipality. Check out all T&C's and apply via the link below.

Up close and… arthur creative photo collective

15 August to 19 October 2025, Unicorn Lane

Eight talented photographers from Melba's Arthur Creative program are showcasing their work in Up Close and... as part of the prestigious Ballarat International Foto Biennale. This marks a significant milestone for the photographers who have developed their craft over years in the established in the Melba's Arthur Creative arts-based workshops.

‘Up Close and…’ is an exhibition of locations and moments captured in Ballarat, often overlooked as part of everyday living.

Unicorn Lane is located just off Sturt St, Ballarat. Works can be viewed 24/7.

city of ballarat becomes a record label

The first of five original singles from the 2025 Be Hear Now program will drop this on 15 August 2025, marking a milestone in Ballarat’s music scene and a first for the City of Ballarat.

Be Hear Now is an annual music development program which finds, fosters and develops artists within the Ballarat region.  

Over the course of the year the program participants have undergone training and received support from a team of industry professionals and service providers, as well as individual mentoring from Australian music industry icons.

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CREATIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS

LIVE GIGS, OPPORTUNITIES AND GRANTS

OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY