Sunnyside: Ballarat’s New Art Experience Debuts with UK Artist Morag Myerscough

Ballarat will soon be home to Sunnyside, a large-scale art experience presented by award-winning creative studio The Social Crew. Running 6–23 November 2025 at the historic Mining Exchange, the inaugural commission features renowned UK artist Morag Myerscough with Chasing Sunbeams, created through community collaboration.

Sunnyside will showcase the first regional and major large-scale installation in Australia by Myerscough. Known for her bold use of colour and pattern, Myerscough’s work will transform the Mining Exchange, creating a fantastical and dynamic visual spectacle. An uplifting and playful installation, Chasing Sunbeams will serve as a focal point, inviting visitors to engage with art in a uniquely vibrant setting.

Extending beyond the main installations, Sunnyside unfolds into laneways, unexpected pockets and hidden corners in a playful program of free wanderings, community collaborations, artist talks, ticketed experiences in the major installation and a creative workshop series.

Myerscough is a London-born artist renowned for her vibrant installations that transform public spaces. A significant aspect of her work involves conducting word and pattern workshops, where she collaborates with local communities to explore themes like belonging and identity.

Designed with the community, the work encourages joy, optimism and creative thinking. Sunnyside invites people of all ages to break away from the expected, revel in bold ideas and open their minds to a once-in-a-lifetime creative adventure.

“Ballarat shares a deep historical narrative with many post-industrial cities I’ve worked in — places where heritage and creativity intersect. There’s a quiet strength here, a desire for colour and connection that resonates deeply with the values behind my work,” says Myerscough.

Having an international artist involved in Sunnyside brings a fresh, global perspective to Ballarat, offering a rare opportunity for the local community to engage with cutting-edge, world-class art. It elevates the experience by introducing diverse creative approaches that might not otherwise be accessible, creating a unique cultural exchange.

Shaped through community collaboration, the artwork reflects the people of Ballarat, with their stories and perspectives woven into its fabric. Accompanying the visual elements is a specially crafted soundscape by local musician and composer Raul Sanchez i Jorge.

Ballarat artists Siobhan Finn and Tegan Crosbie will present Fontella – The Zine Machine, a vintage vending machine and playful analogue twist to the art experience of Sunnyside. Pauline O’Shannesy-Dowling, local artist, illustrator, granny square maker and teacher, will host textile-based classes to encourage creative exploration. Carly Pitts from Pittywitty will run two playful and interactive workshops designed to inspire artists of every level.

“We are proud to back Sunnyside through our Regional Events Fund as it will provide a huge boost to the Ballarat economy, with visitors filling hotels, restaurants, bars and small businesses while they explore the region,” says Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events.

“Sunnyside will be a bold celebration of creativity and community,” added Cr Tracey Hargreaves, City of Ballarat Mayor.

“Welcoming an artist of Morag Myerscough’s calibre to Ballarat is a proud moment for our city. These vibrant installations will inspire locals and visitors alike, transforming our historic space at the Mining Exchange into something truly extraordinary.”

Free talks by Morag Myerscough will be held at Federation University during Sunnyside, offering the public a rare opportunity to hear directly from the artist about her creative process and ideas behind the work.

Full program: sunnysideart.com.au
Instagram: @sunnysideart.ballarat