Now in its fifth year, Craft Lab is back again for 2025, with a brand-new cohort of local practitioners just announced.
The free event showcases the artisanal work of Ballarat practitioners and is hailed as a cornerstone of the festival.
Ballarat Heritage Festival:
- When: 17-18 May and 26 to 27 May
- Where: Mining Exchange, 16 Lydiard St, Ballarat Central
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
View this post on Instagram
Join the more than 6000 visitors taking part in experiences, learning the secrets of craft practice and joining in numerous events and activities with 18 practitioners selected to share their knowledge, expertise and techniques with thousands of members of the public over two weekends.
The selected group feature a wide range of artisans from textiles, ceramics, sculptors, furniture and even millinery. All are paid for their time to participate in sector development programs and then to share their skills with the wider community.
Candidates are selected through an Expression of Interest process, to participate in the program to hone their knowledge and practice and promote their selected craft.
The City of Ballarat works in conjunction with the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades and Craft Victoria to be a launch pad for practitioners.
The artists participate in professional development days, and receive mentoring, networking opportunities, professional photography and general support in the lead up to Craft Lab in mid-May 2025.
Craft Lab is held at the historic Mining Exchange and is on from 10am to 5pm on the weekends of 17 and 18 May 2025, and 26 and 27 May. The event is free to enter.
