Craft Lab 24

For the third year running, Craft is partnering with Creative Ballarat on the delivery of Craft Lab - a signature event of the City of Ballarat’s Heritage Festival.

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. 17 candidates are selected every year to hone their knowledge, refine their practice and promote their craft.

Led by Creative Ballarat and delivered in collaboration with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Trades and Forgotten Arts, Craft Lab is a successful launch pad for practitioners. The selected practitioners receive intensive career advice and portfolio reviews, in addition to support with professional photography and brokerage. The program culminates in two-weekends (18-26 May 2024) of public exhibitions, activities and demonstrations at the City of Ballarat’s iconic Mining Exchange building; where the makers will share and showcase their practices.

This program is part of the City of Ballarat’s UNESCO Creative City designation as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

The 2024 Craft Lab Cohort of makers is:

Nick Doran Adams (Glass), Myleah Bailey (Fur),Anthony Clare (Leather), Rachaeldaisy Dodd (Quilting), Ocean Duri (Doll maker), Betty Ennis (Shoemaker), Marian Fox (Ceramics), Jodie Goldring (Basketry),Minna Graham (Ceramics), Tim Gresham (Tapestry),Lucie Hassall Barrett (Jeweller), Shalome Lateef (Natural beads),Jeremy Parker (Pigment/paints), Alana Smith (Jeweller), Cody Winward (Floral Art), Barry Wemyss (Ceramics) and Perridak Arts (First Nations crafts).

Image credit: Photograph by Tony Evans, courtesy Creative Ballarat.