Ceramicist Cassy Macarthur collects “wild clay” for her practice - image Josh Waddell, 2021

meet our community

Read more about some of our amazing network of creatives and artists, scattered throughout our city.

Ben McKenna

How did your creative journey begin?

Like most kids, I used to doodle inside the margins of my school notebooks. I would draw cute characters inspired by those 'yuru-chara' mascots found throughout Japan. Despite their relatively simple designs, they still manage to convey a lot of personality. It was an aspect I wanted to replicate in my own art. Since then, I've completed a bachelor's degree in interactive & visual design and have worked as a multimedia developer. I enjoy working with technology, as it allows me to learn new skills and evolve my art in different directions.

How would you describe your practice?

I call myself a digital designer, which is an intentionally ambiguous term. I enjoy illustration, animation, and even a bit of programming. By combining these skills, I can bring fictional characters to life. It's such an awesome feeling.

What are you working on right now?

I have a few projects I'm juggling at the moment - one of which is a video game consisting of my own unique world and characters. Game development has been such a fun endeavour, since I get to use both the logical and creative sides of my brain. The only downside is that it requires so much time and dedication. I want to show off what I've done... but it's not quite ready yet.

What is your connection to Ballarat?

I relocated from Brisbane to Ballarat to be with my partner. We were dating long distance for about a year, before I finally moved down in March. That being said, there is some familial history here as well - my nan grew up in the care of Nazareth House when it used to be an orphanage.

How would you describe the creative community in Ballarat?

There's such a diverse range of talented individuals around here. Despite their differing backgrounds and mediums, they're all incredibly supportive of one another. It's awesome to see artists from different disciplines attending each others' shows/exhibitions and promoting each others' work.

Can you give us three words to sum up your inspiration?

Cute. Charming. Whimsical.

Website:BenMcKenna.com | Instagram: @benmckenna | Behance: Ben McKenna

Kathy Horvat1 June 2022

Local artist groups and networks

If you would like your association, group or network highlighted, please drop us a note!

Ballarat Arts Alive

BAA is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that provides a forum for discussion, development and advocacy supporting the arts and artists of Ballarat and surrounds. Regular events are held to meet up, share info and explore opportunities.

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B.A.D.A.C. Ltd

The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC) was established by members of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal community in 1979, delivering health, social, welfare and community programs to local Aboriginal people.

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Ballarat art collective

BAA welcomes new members from all walks of life to regularly gather together and share their passion for art in all its forms.

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Ballarat Society of Artists Inc.

BSA (est 1982) is volunteer run with over 80 local members. Members embrace all genres and arrange many activities for its members including monthly meetings, competitions, i workshops and opportunity to participate in community events and assists members with organising venues to exhibit works.

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Ballarat+Quilters.jpg — Ballaarat Quilters

Founded in 1996 by a group of women who wanted to promote the art and craft of quilting in Ballarat. A not for profit association where members meet regularly for a sit, sew and a chat together and exhibit their works to the Ballarat community every two years.

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Ballarat Writers.jpg — Ballarat Writers

Established in 1989, Ballarat Writers is a grass-roots organisation promoting local writing and writers in the Western Victorian region, with monthly Members’ Nights, regular competitions and workshops.

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Craft Council.jpeg — Crafts Council of Ballarat

Crafts Council of Ballarat is dedicated to promoting and supporting the art and craft community of the Goldfields, with a shopfront located at the Adam Lindsay Gordon Collage.

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goldfield printmakers.jpg — goldfield printmakers

Goldfields Printmakers is a collective with a website for Printmakers who produce works predominantly in the art form of print and base their practice in the Goldfields region.
The websites role should act as a resource for these artists to connect and share their knowledge.

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Soldiers Hill Artist Collective (S.H.A.C)

Soldiers Hill Artist Collective is a diverse group, who’s objective is to maintain an open and inclusive collective that is focused on promoting local arts and artists, whilst reinforcing the positive social benefit of the arts within the immediate community.

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Sonika

Sonika is the City of Ballarat Youth Services' FReeZA committee. Sonika meet regularly to plan projects, events and gain event management skills such as The Push - which provides accredited training opportunities, recognised by employers. Sonika also runs a range of free or cheap all ages events that are drug, alcohol and smoke free.

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Ballarat International Foto Biennale

Founded in 2005, BIFB attracts significant International and Australian photographers as one of Australia’s pre-eminent photographic festivals. It is a not-for-profit event that immerses the historic town of Ballarat in photographic art.

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Artists, Makers & Creatives

meet our community

Ben McKenna

Local artist groups and networks