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.

MAIN ROAD BLOCK PARTY
SAt 30 Nov, 11am - 4pm

To celebrate the Art Gallery of Ballarat's 'Medieval to Metal: the art and evolution of the guitar' exhibition, Main Road - one of Ballarat's most eclectic shopping strips - is dialling up the volume for its first Block Party.

Come along for live music, street food vendors, activities for the kids and dishes by local chefs.

Let's Party!

NEW COUNCIL PLAN - YOUR VOICE NEEDED

Community input is being sought to assist the incoming Ballarat City Council group in creating the Council Plan 2025-2029. Every four years the Ballarat City Council develops a new Council plan to provide the direction of work that Council undertakes for the next council term.

This is your chance to have a say about the future for arts, culture and creativity in our city.

ALISON COWAN: SHATTERED, ARt Space Ballarat

Shattered is the first exhibition of cast glass and mixed media sculptures by emerging artist Alison Cowan. It is an exhibition that responds to the fracturing balance between humans and the environment.

Open 11am - 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
14 Lydiard St Nth, Central Ballarat

craft lab 25 expression of interest opens

Craft Lab is calling for all local makers, artisans, creators to apply for a coveted slot in the professional development program for 2025.

Applications are now open for the premier sector development program, resulting in the Craft Lab event during Heritage Festival. But before you rush to apply, check out the Info Day coming up where you can learn more about what’s involved. Shown here is Alchemical Arts, Jeremy Parker displaying his works - image by Far Flung Films

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CREATIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS

LIVE GIGS, OPPORTUNITIES AND GRANTS

OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY