crafts & artisans

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. 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
  18 February 2025 5.30pm - 7pm - Mining Exchange

• Professional Development Session Day 1
  25 February 2025 Careers in Craft Tue - Rare Trades Centre

• Professional Development Session Day 2
  19 March 2025 Workshop and clinics - Rare Trades Centre

• Professional Development Session Day 3
  16 April 2025 one-on-one mentoring - Rare Trades Centre

• Orientation Session 2
  29 April 2025 5.30pm till 7pm - Mining Exchange

• Craft Lab 25 Event Bump in -
  Thursday 15 May and Friday 16 May, 2025 (tbc) - Mining Exchange

• Opening Preview Night -
  16th May 2025 - Mining Exchange

• First Craft Lab 25 Event Weekend -
  17 and 18 May 2025 - All day - Mining Exchange

• The Great Takeaway Evening Preview
  22 May 2025 - Mining Exchange

• Second Craft Lab 25 Event Weekend
  24 and 25 May 2025 - All day - Mining Exchange

• Craft Lab 25 Event Bump out
  26 May 2025 (times tbc) - Mining Exchange