image: The work of First Nations artist Donna Blackall, 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. 18 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.
Key Dates for Craft Lab 25:
Applications close - 25th November 2024
Orientation Session 1 - 18th February 5.30pm - 7pm - Mining Exchange
Professional Development Session Day 1 - Careers in Craft Tue 25th February - Rare Trades Centre
Professional Development Session - w/shop and clinics Wed 19th March - Rare Trades Centre
Professional Development - one on one mentoring Wed 16th April - Rare Trades Centre
Orientation Session 2 Tues 29th April 5.30pm - 7pm - Mining Exchange
For practitioners interested in submitting an EOI, application closes midnight 25th November 2024.
Tapestry by Tim Gresham, photographed by Carli Wilson of Still Smiths Studio
the craft lab practitioners for 2024
PAST EVENT
Craft Lab demonstration and exhibition (May 18 - May 26, 2024) is a signature event of the Ballarat’s Heritage Festival. Two weekends of craft demonstrations and display, this is a celebration of traditional artisanal skills coupled with contemporary treatment. It is the moment where the functional becomes beautiful. 18 selected practitioners are invited to share their knowledge, expertise and techniques with thousands of members of the public over four full days.
The practitioners are hugely varied – from ceramicists, jewellers, upholsterers to spinners, shoemakers to metalworkers, wild weavers to eco-dyers. All practitioners are chosen for their depth of knowledge as well as their commitment to applying traditional techniques to contemporary practice. Craft Lab is seeking to maintain old skills but also exploring how these can be applied in new ways.
THE GREAT TAKEAWAY
PAST EVENT
The Great Takeaway is a chance for visitors to dine amongst some of the finest materials, textiles, glassware and ceramics produced in the Ballarat region – and then be able to take the handcrafted dining setting home with them.
A ticketed event, the Great Takeaway is an exclusively tailored dinner for up to 60 guests who will be seated in the exhibition display of Craft Lab in the heritage venue of the Ballarat Mining Exchange to enjoy a three-course meal with drinks and entertainment.
CRAFT LAB WORKSHOP PROGRAM
PAST EVENT
Always been interested in the skills needed to become an artisan? Want to try your hand at a rare trade, or are you seeking to deepen your knowledge?
A comprehensive workshop and education program is offered through The Rare Trades Centre. Check out the range of classes and talks available. Make the most of the diverse talks and presentations.
The Rare Trades Centre is a place dedicated to safeguarding crafts as an important part of Australia’s national heritage. The Centre offers public programming including workshops, masterclasses, events and residencies.
CRAFT LAB EXHIBITION
PAST EVENT
Discover traditional crafts interpreted by contemporary makers in a building rich with architectural and historical significance. With over 40 participating artists, makers and crafters from the region and carefully curated by the team at Creative City, the exhibit features a variety of textiles, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, glassware and much more.
Experience the impressive installations showcasing Arranmore chairs and Japanese calligraphy especially handcrafted by Seiko Hoashi.
Wander through the artworks, grab a warm coffee or treat yourself to a fresh cake from Kittlety's, and find your new favourite work of art.
ballarat clay collectiVE pop-up shop
PAST EVENT
The Ballarat Clay Collective, a new organisation made up of local ceramicists and potters, has formed to make the most of available opportunities. The Collective will be selling products from Art Space, the gallery space on Lydiard Street at the entrance to the Mining Exchange.
Artists included in the Pop Up Shop:
spoken word event - form meets function
PAST EVENT
This series of spoken word events is produced by thinkers and creatives, for thinkers and creatives. Come along to be inspired, share in some local hospitality, and connect with a like-minded community.
Presented in partnership by The Australian Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades and The Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections. These nationally significant cultural centers reside side-by-side in regional Victoria. Together, they weave a vibrant tapestry of Australia’s cultural heritage, ensuring both artifacts as well as skills, knowledge and practices endure for generations to come.
What is Pecha Kucha?
Pecha Kucha, a Japanese term meaning "chit-chat," is a dynamic presentation format designed to inspire, engage, and inform. Each speaker is invited to share their work and ideas in a concise and visually captivating manner. The format is simple yet impactful: 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide, for a total presentation time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
With a carefully curated lineup of presenters, Pecha Kucha is designed for sharing work, fostering collaboration, and connecting like-minded people.
