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.

Emily N3ver: Nitmur in Vetitum (We strive for the forbidden)

7 Feb to 9 Mar, Art Space Ballarat

Nitmur in Vetitum invites you to confront the depths of human ambition and temptation. Step into a world of intricate linework and storytelling, where the beauty of striving—and its consequences—come to life.

Emily is offering two immersive workshops to enhance your exhibition experience:
Knight Life Drawing, 5-6pm Fridays and
Pen and Ink Workshop, 4-6pm, Thursdays.

SEEKING BALLARAT’S TOP MUSICIANS

The City of Ballarat’s contemporary music program, Be Hear Now, is once again focusing on ‘the ones to watch’ in the Ballarat music scene and examines what kinds of support they need to thrive. But this time we’re looking to help you release your next single.

We’re providing up to 5 acts, bands or performers a chance to take part in an in-depth mentoring, sound recording, launch strategy, collateral production and marketing program for their next single.

Ballarat’s top 5 singles will be pressed in 2025. Open now.

FUREA: FANTASY LIFE
NOw on show at unicorn lane

This month Unicorn Lane is home to Furea’s fantastical worlds and adventurous characters. With wonderful attention to detail and vibrant colours, viewers will want to step inside each scene and learn more about their stories.

Furea’s creations are made using Procreate and influenced by artistic styles from anime (Jun Suemi, Akihiro Yamada, fantasy (Frank Frazetta) to classical (Rembrandt, Monet).

Unicorn Lane exhibitions can be viewed 24/7 and are located just off Sturt St, Ballarat, near the corner of Lydiard St.

CALL FOR EXHIBITION ITEMS

Craft Lab returns in 2025 (17 - 25 May at the Ballarat Mining Exchange) as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival. Over two weekends a selection of the finest makers from Ballarat and surrounding regions gather in one location.

If you are a maker and interested in having your work included in the Craft Lab 2025 exhibit, please complete the expression of interest form below.

Applications for this Expression of Interest close at midnight on Friday 28th February 2025.

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CREATIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS

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