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.

be hear now selected for 2025

Sharing the musical talent of Ballarat with the world - artists and mentors announced for Be Hear Now 

Five Ballarat-based artists and bands will have the opportunity to be mentored by celebrated Australian musicians and industry leaders as part of the City of Ballarat’s contemporary music program Be Hear Now. 

The five artists/bands from Ballarat for the 2025 Be Hear Now program are Nasal Spray, Blue Ren, Hemlock Wilde, D.B.L.U. and Nekrome. 

OUtwards: Ballarat
WOmen’s Arts Register workshop

11am-2.30pm, Sat 31 May, Eureka Centre

Join the Women's Art Register's 50th Anniversary celebrations as they launch their National Roadshow OUTWARDS here in Ballarat!

Hear from Committee members about W.A.R's dynamic history and how this unique Australian feminist living archive, (one of only two in the world surviving from the 70s) was established. W.A.R. now represents over 5000 Australian based women and you can be involved!

check out seedpod live arts works

Izzy Roberts-Orr and Gemma Cavoli have been selected for an intensive residency to develop their latest live performance arts works. And you have a chance to see their work-in-progress as they challenge themselves to test and develop their latest pieces.

Show your support. Step out to attend these free development shows in May. Find out more information and book your tickets.

With thanks to the team at Ballarat Mechanics Institute and BPAC for their support.

FIND YOURSELF IN HIDDEN

Various times on 16 May

Curious art lovers are invited to experience Ballarat’s creative scene in a whole new light with the regional city’s newest micro contemporary arts festival HIDDEN taking place on Friday 16 May.

HIDDEN highlights the work of 8 extraordinary local artists who have created unique projection-based works responding to hidden heritage locations.

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CREATIVE STRATEGY ACTIONS

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OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY