image: The Craft Lab exhibition 2025, curated by Angela D’Alton, was enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Image by Teja Godson.
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BALLARAT MINING EXCHANGE, 12 LYDIARD STREET NORTH, BALLARAT CENTRAL - FREE ENTRY
The Deep Listening artworks which operated as ‘rooms’ housing the contemporary exhibition. Image by Amelia James
WHAT IS CRAFT LAB?
Craft Lab is a sector development program for crafts and visual arts practitioners which highlights the artisanal work. This program identifies talented makers, artisans and artists - those working with traditional skills and knowledge - who are developing new and compelling contemporary works. Candidates are selected every year to hone their knowledge, refine their practice and promote their craft. You can meet the practitioners for 2025.
The challenge for Craft Lab 25 was to create a space within the City of Ballarat’s Heritage Festival that posed the question “whose heritage is it?”.The result was the creation of ‘rooms’, intimate spaces where visitors were asked to consider First Nations history before any other. Visitors were encouraged to enter the venue in awe, and then be drawn inwards to inspect exhibition items closely.
The theme of “Intangible” led the curation and creative production towards a chosen palette of pastel tones, matched with 6 themes to explore - Heart, History, Healing, Story, Song and Spirit determined by curator, Angela D’Alton.
Working in conjunction with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Craft Lab is a successful launch pad for practitioners. This program is part of the City of Ballarat’s UNESCO Creative City designation as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.
Curator Angela D’Alton walks through the exhibition spaces. Image by City of Ballarat.
the great takeaway
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 were 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 were individually dressed by commissioned high-profile local ceramicists, each supplying a handcrafted main and side plate.
Diners were seated at random at the dining tables, allocated a specific curated cutlery, plates and glassware set for the evening valued at more than $400 per setting.
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Deep Listening is the installation at the heart of this year’s Craft Lab. A creative response, it is a First Nations-led exploration of the stories of Ballarat both old and new, asking the question ‘whose heritage is it?’
Supported by Perridak Arts, the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative and Wadawurrung Corporation, lead artist and Traditional Custodian Jenna Oldaker absorbed and documented stories, knowledge and experience of Ballarat’s Aboriginal community. Jenna built safe spaces for varied groups to gather and share in a uniquely collaborative creative process, resulting in six large scale works which tell deeply personal stories.
Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker documents the stories of Aunty Nancy and Uncle (Poss) Ivan as part of the Deep Listening project.
Uncle Bryan Powell with his story, as told to artist Jenna Oldaker. Image by Meda Design
PECHA KUCHA
The series of spoken word events is produced by thinkers and creatives, for thinkers and creatives. Come along to be inspired, share in some local hospitality, and connect with a like-minded community. The Pecha Kucha Series is presented in partnership by the nationally significant cultural centres. They reside side-by-side in regional Victoria. Together, they weave a vibrant tapestry of Australia’s cultural heritage, ensuring both artefacts as well as skills, knowledge and practices endure for generations to come. With a carefully curated lineup of presenters, Pecha Kucha is designed for sharing work, fostering collaboration, and connecting like-minded people.
Aunty Nancy and artist Jenna Oldaker with the works. Image by Meda Design.
WORKSHOPS
The Rare Trades Centre again joins Ballarat’s Craft Lab and Craft Victoria in celebrating a shared commitment to sustaining and promoting the exemplary craft practices of local and regional artisans. During Craft Lab 25 the Rare Trades Centre is featuring hands-on artisan workshops. Book early and book often to play your part in these exciting experiences.
HOW TO GET HERe
Ballarat is just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne's CBD. Take the 110km journey along the Western Freeway if you’re travelling by car.If you’re joining us by train hop on a V/Line train and the historic Ballarat Train Station in the centre of town. If you’re coming from the airport the road trip from Tullamarine or Avalon airports to Ballarat takes about 60 minutes. Transport options direct from the airport include hiring a car or booking the Airport Shuttlebus from Tullamarine
The Ballarat Mining Exchange is a short 5 minute walk from the train station. Parking is immediately available in surrounding streets and CBD carparks.
Ellen Sorensen discusses her work with a visitor at Craft Lab 25. Image by Teja Godson.
Taking in the artworks at Craft Lab 25. Image by Teja Godson.
