Creative Ballarat
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Creative City.

Temporary public artwork by artist Chuck Mayfield supported by Cax One, Arts Incubator Mural, 2024

Search our site for what might interest you (for example, ‘opportunities’, ‘what’s on’, ‘music’ or ‘art’)

 
 

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

 

tickets on sale

Tickets for The Great Takeaway are now available

Walk away with a collection of artisanal works from The Great Takeaway - 23 May 2024

The Great Takeaway is a chance for visitors to dine amongst some of the finest materials, textiles, glassware and ceramics produced in the Ballarat region – and then be able to take the handcrafted dining setting home with them.

A ticketed event, the Great Takeaway is an exclusively tailored dinner for up to 60 guests who will be seated in the exhibition display of Craft Lab in the heritage venue of the Ballarat Mining Exchange to enjoy a three-course meal with drinks and entertainment.

The six tables will be individually dressed by commissioned high-profile local ceramicists, each supplying a handcrafted main and side plate. The ceramicists are Steph Wallace, Koji Hoashi, Karima Baadilla, Ruby Pilven, Jan Alexander, and recent graduates Erin Coomans and Sarah Mischker. The settings are matched with glassware made by Tegan Hamilton and napery handwoven by Ana Petidis.

 

be hear now kicks off

Be Hear Now live music candidates announced for 2024

Be Hear Now, Ballarat’s live music program kicks off for another year.

Be Hear Now identifies ‘talent worth watching’ and examines what kinds of support they need to thrive. We link practitioners with grant writers, venues, mentors and educators, striving to help the network to succeed at home and elsewhere.

The selected acts for Be Hear Now are given headliner status in a festival showcase program - 23-25 August 2024 - and are mentored by the festival team, provided with profile articles and coverage including radio, newspapers, magazines and online. They are also introduced to our industry connections from record labels, booking agencies, streaming and online marketing and industry bodies.

Follow the link to see who got the pick in 2024!

 

Bowie arrives at Unicorn Lane

David Bowie through the years by Christopher Risk

Golden Years by Christopher Risk
8 March to 18 April 2024

Sculptor and dedicated Bowie fan, Christopher in his own unique style has created a series of works celebrating the iconic looks and personas of the music legend David Bowie.

Christopher has researched the fashions of Bowie over his career and created a collection of works that will be enjoyed by fans of Bowie, fashion and retro culture. 

Unicorn Lane is located just off Sturt St near the Unicorn Hotel and can be viewed 24/7.

 

Artist in residence update

Rose Hudson - Artist in Residence at Art Hub Ballarat.

Art Hub welcomes Artist-in-Residence Rose Hudson

This March we are excited to welcome our second Artist-in-Residence in Art Hub, theatrical milliner Rose Hudson.

Rose will be in residence for 6 months, working on new creations and duplicating fragile hats and head wear in the Gold Museum collection.

Rose has four decades of experience in traditional millinery. She is a renowned educator and has worked with the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Australian Ballet, Opera Australia and Victoria, exhibited in galleries including the NGV and works on private commissions.

Rose will be inviting the Ballarat community in to Art Hub to see her practice and will be offering workshops during her residency.


 

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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.

‘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