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.

Melanie Ansley

How did your creative journey begin?

Storytelling has always been a passion. Even my very first one-page essay assignments in elementary school about “Describe your summer break” somehow always morphed into long fantastical fiction pieces.

How would you describe your practice?

Working across writing and film means I wear different hats, even in the course of one day, so I try to stay flexible. When I’m in the pitching or production phase of a film it’s very hands on and intensive, and I’ll be regularly on set or at a film festival. When I’m in between productions, I maximize my time to focus on the writing side, so that there’s always something brewing for the screen or the page.

What are you working on right now?

On the film front, I am working with my husband Sam Voutas on two features, one a family zombie comedy and another a dark comedy called “A Good Librarian’s Guide to Vengeance”, which just received Screen Australia funding.

On the novel front, this November I’m launching the second book in my fantasy adventure series that’s been described as “Watership Down” meets “Lord of the Rings”.

I’m also currently in the early stages of working with playwright Hannie Rayson to produce a Chinese Australian one-woman show that we hope to premiere in regional Victoria—and of course I’d love to stage it here in Ballarat!

What is your connection to Ballarat?

We were looking for a city with history and an affordable lifestyle. We moved here in 2018 because we loved what Ballarat offered us and our kids.

How would you describe the creative community in Ballarat?

Because of COVID and lockdowns, I haven’t had enough time to really explore the creative community here as much as I’d like, but the few people I’ve met have been extremely warm and welcoming. I loved all the live music and visual arts events on offer here before COVID.

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

Show up. Commit.

Author page: www.melanieansley.com
Film page: www.pekingpictures.com

Kathy Horvat1 November 2021

Local artist groups and networks

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

Ballarat Arts Alive is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit org that provides a forum for discussion, advocacy and development supporting the arts and artists of Ballarat and surrounds. Regular events are held to meet up.

More info

**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.

more info

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

More info

**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.

MORE INFO

**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.

more info

**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.

MORE info

**Sonika** is the City of Ballarat Youth Services' FReeZA committee. Sonika meet regularly to plan projects, events and gain event management skills. Sonika also runs a range of free or cheap all ages events that are drug, alcohol and smoke free.

MORE INFO

The **Ballarat International Foto Biennale** 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.

More info

**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.

more info

**Ballarat Society of Artists** unvite you to come along and enjoy a friendly get together with other artists and creatives at to our monthly meeting.
BSA meets on the 1st Saturday of the month (except Jan) at 10.30 am at the Brown Hill Uniting Church Hall, Humffray Street North, Brown Hill.

Ballarat Writers.jpg — **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.

More info

Artists, Makers & Creatives

meet our community

Melanie Ansley

Local artist groups and networks