image: The work of master weaver Tim Gresham profiled in Intro magazine 2024 - image by Carli Wilson, Still Smiths
WHAT IS CRAFT LAB?
Craft Lab is a sector development program which highlights the artisanal work of Ballarat practitioners. This program identifies talented makers, artisans and artists - those working with traditional skills and knowledge - who are developing new and compelling contemporary works. Candidates are selected every year to hone their knowledge, refine their practice and promote their craft.
Working in conjunction with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Craft Lab is a successful launch pad for practitioners. The selected practitioners are provided with intensive career advice and portfolio reviews. They are supplied with professional photography and brokerage support. And they participate in the Craft Lab demonstration and exhibition as part of the award-winning Ballarat Heritage Festival in May.
This program is part of the City of Ballarat’s UNESCO Creative City designation as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.
CRAFT LAB PRACTITIONERS 2025
Key Dates for Craft Lab 25
Orientation Session 1 for Craft Lab 25 practitioners
18 February 2025 5.30pm - 7pm - Mining ExchangeProfessional Development Session Day 1 for Craft Lab practitioners
25 February 2025 Careers in Craft Tue - Rare Trades CentreProfessional Development Session Day 2 for Craft Lab practitioners
19 March 2025 Workshop and clinics - Rare Trades CentreProfessional Development Session Day 3 for Craft Lab practitioners
16 April 2025 one-on-one mentoring - Rare Trades CentreOrientation Session 2 for Craft Lab practitioners
29 April 2025 5.30pm till 7pm - Mining ExchangeCraft Lab 25 Event Bump in - for Craft Lab practitioners
Thursday 15 May and Friday 16 May, 2025 (tbc) - Mining ExchangeOpening Preview Night for the wider arts community
16th May 2025 - Mining ExchangeFirst Craft Lab 25 Event Weekend - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
17 and 18 May 2025 - All day - Mining ExchangeThe Great Takeaway Evening Preview for Craft Lab practitioners
22 May 2025 - Mining ExchangeSecond Craft Lab 25 Event Weekend - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
24 and 25 May 2025 - All day - Mining ExchangeCraft Lab 25 Event Bump out for Craft Lab practitioners
26 May 2025 (times tbc) - Mining Exchange
Marian Fox, 2024 - Craft Lab 24 participant. Image by Carli Wilson, Still Smiths Studio
Items from top to bottom - Donna Blackall (weaving), Jodie Goldring (weaving), Barry Wemyss (ceramic cup), Shalome Knoll (beads), Barry Wemyss (ceramic teapot). Image by Carli Wilson, Still Smith Studio
The Great Takeaway - an innovative dining experience connecting the maker to the guest. Artists are commissioned to craft complete dining settings, and the guest leaves with the complete handcrafted dining set.
