Craft Lab 2025: Open at Historic Ballarat Mining Exchange for Two Weekends This May

Craft Lab 2025 — Regional Victoria’s leading celebration of craftsmanship and creativity — will be held at the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange over two weekends in May (17–18 and 26–27 May), with free public entry.

A UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Arts, the City of Ballarat is partnering with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades to showcase the region’s investment in the creative economy. Together, these civic and cultural bodies will present four full days of craft exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops.

Following a competitive Expression of Interest process earlier this year, 18 master practitioners have been selected to showcase their artisanal craft talents. The practitioners’ expertise spans a range of disciplines, including textiles, ceramics, sculpture, furniture and millinery. Through contemporary practice, these artisans and craftspeople will share traditional techniques with thousands of visitors.

Now in its fifth year, Craft Lab is more than just an exhibition; it’s a major sector development program that supports individual practitioners to become more sustainable and resilient, assisting them in building their businesses and practices while profiling their works to wider audiences.

“We take huge pride in providing a platform that showcases the incredible talent across our region, while strengthening the creative economy,” says City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves.

“This year’s program encompasses both sector development initiatives and public engagement opportunities — showcasing how craft can generate innovation, promote sustainability and create cultural connection.”

Ballarat-based multidisciplinary artist and designer Anzara Clark, who works primarily with paper, is among the talented craftspeople selected for this year’s event. “I cannot wait to show the Ballarat community and visitors how we can manipulate papers, fibres and textiles to create fashion,” she said. “I’m looking forward to showcasing the transformation of paper into cloth and into wearable garments at Craft Lab this year.”

First Nations engagement is central to this year’s program, with the Deep Listening Project forming a cornerstone of the 2025 Craft Lab exhibition. This initiative, led by Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker, will explore themes of spirit, song, story, heart, healing and history. Collaborating with the broader Indigenous community in the Ballarat region, six major installation works will be created, forming immersive ‘rooms’ within the Mining Exchange that reflect the voices and experiences of First Nations people and showcase the evolution of Indigenous engagement in the region. The Deep Listening Project has been supported by Festivals Australia, represented by the Office for the Arts, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

Craft Lab has steadily grown in popularity since its inaugural showing in 2021, with more than 6,000 visitors coming through the doors over four days in 2024. In 2025, visitors can expect an immersive experience where they can meet and talk with practitioners who are eager to share their secrets and trade practices. The interactive environment encourages hands-on engagement, with opportunities to touch, explore and try different crafts with expert guidance.

As a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Arts since 2019, Ballarat’s creative sector has contributed \$658.4 million to the local economy, with cultural tourism growing 25% year-on-year. Craft Lab is an important part of Ballarat’s commitment to its UNESCO designation and delivers against the obligations of the Creative City Strategy and 2021–2025 Council Plan.

Key event booking information:

Craft Lab 2025 Exhibition — 17–18 and 26–27 May

The Craft Lab exhibition will take place at the historic Mining Exchange, open from 10am until 4pm. The event is free to enter.

More information: creativeballarat.com.au/craftdesign

Workshops — 17–25 May

Part of the award-winning Ballarat Heritage Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s craft community at the Centre of Rare Trades and Forgotten Arts — experiencing live demonstrations, participating in hands-on workshops and exploring the evolving role of craft in contemporary society.

Booking information: raretradescentre.com.au/events

The Great Takeaway — 22 May

The Great Takeaway is an innovative dining experience that merges craft and cuisine, connecting makers directly with guests. This event offers up to 60 diners a three-course meal within the Craft Lab exhibition space, surrounded by textiles, glassware and ceramics created by locals. At the end of the evening, guests take home their complete handcrafted dining set, making this a one-of-a-kind dining experience, highlighting the value of artisanal craftsmanship.

Booking information: creativeballarat.com.au/takeaway