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.

MASTERCLASSES in Projection ART

The City of Ballarat invites local artists to apply for a 6-month paid masterclass program with the Centre for Projection Art. Enhance your skills in site-responsive projection art through workshops and practical experience. Showcase your work in a public exhibition!

craft lab 25 announced

The practitioners for Craft Lab 2025 have been announced with a new group of 17 candidates ready to commence their training.

A competitive process, the Craft Lab practitioners will be paid to attend mentoring, training and portfolio reviews - strengthening their practices and businesses. The participants will be getting ready to reveal the secrets of their trade and entertain thousands of visitors to the impending display and exhibition in May 2025.

Creative’s catch up
8 february 2025

Join us for the next Creative’s Catch Up this time at the very cool location of Kank Wolvergang Records on Main Road.

Hear updates on opportunities and events, share updates of your own projects. Meet and mingle with local artists, musicians, writers, performers, designers. You may just meet a creative collaborator. It’s all free but registration will help with catering. Hope to see you there!

Public Art Walks

Join us for the launch of the Ballarat Public Art Walk, an exciting exhibition celebrating our vibrant public art collection. This event highlights two interactive installations that encourage the audience to explore how public art transforms our city into an outdoor gallery, always open for all to enjoy. Bring your family and friends to experience the joy of art in our public spaces and witness the magic of creativity in action! 

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CREATIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS

LIVE GIGS, OPPORTUNITIES AND GRANTS

OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY