Regional Victoria’s celebration of craftsmanship and creativity, Craft Lab 2025, will be held at the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange over two weekends in May.

The City of Ballarat has partnered with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades to showcase the region’s investment in its creative economy. Together, these cultural bodies will present four days of craft exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops at Craft Lab 2025.

Craft renaissance for UNESCO ‘Creative City’

The City of Ballarat was granted status as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Arts in 2019 in recognition of their commitment to developing a sustainable and resilient creative sector. 

Ballarat is demarcated as Australia’s only city to receive the prestigious status and is among only five cities globally who have acquired the title. 

“Our UNESCO designation has enabled us to showcase Ballarat’s creativity on a global stage while supporting local practitioners to develop sustainable careers right here in regional Victoria,” City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves says. 

Craft Lab 2025

Ballarat’s flagship program, Craft Lab, promotes the city’s approach to preserving traditional craft while embracing contemporary design innovation. 

Following a competitive process, for its fifth year 18 master practitioners were selected, to showcase their artisanal craft talents. The practitioners’ expertise covers a range of disciplines, including textiles, ceramics, sculpture, furniture and millinery. 

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

Economic boom in Ballarat 

Since receiving the UNESCO title, Ballarat’s creative industry has contributed $658.4 million to the local economy, according to Creative Ballarat’s 2023/24 Report Card.

Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett says the economic ripple effects from Ballarat’s arts and cultural industries have been substantial for the city’s broader business community.

“We’re seeing increased foot traffic, longer visitor stays, and stronger spending patterns across retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors,” Gillett says. “The UNESCO designation has diversified Ballarat’s economic base, building community resilience.”

Cultural tourism spending has also surged, as domestic overnight visitors spend $140 million on arts, heritage and cultural activities in 2023/24, a 52 percent increase from $92 million in 2021/22.

 “The remarkable growth we’ve seen in our arts and cultural industries demonstrates how cultural heritage can drive economic prosperity,” Hargreaves says. “With over 2,500 people now employed in creative sectors across our region, we’re witnessing firsthand how investing in our unique cultural identity generates both economic opportunities and strengthens community wellbeing.”

Craft Lab 2025, will be held at the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange over two weekends in May (17 &18 and 24 & 25 May – 10am-5pm). Find event booking information here. 

Images by Josh Waddell.