When some think of Ballarat, they may imagine bitter winter chill, Sovereign Hill, stunning architecture, spectacular gardens and the birthplace of St Kilda FC legends Daryl Cunningham, Tony Lockett and Danny Frawley.
Well…perhaps not the latter so much if you don’t barrack for the Saints, but Ballarat and the Goldfields is noticeably changing in its appreciation of the arts.
Towns like Bendigo, Castlemaine, Hepburn, Creswick and Clunes all have first class theatres, pubs and festivals that are drawing more and more hipsters and retirees from Melbourne to not just visit, but stay permanently.
We have just finished our third year in ‘The Rat’ and it has been the best decision we have ever made.
The two biggest changes for us that we love have been the complete renovation of Her Majesty’s Theatre and Palace Cinema’s takeover of The Regent Theatre. Both venues are genuinely ‘old-worldly’ and full of charm.
Right opposite Her Maj on historic Lydiard St is another heritage listed building, The Union Bank which is being converted into The National Centre of Photography.
The centre has been under construction for approximately five years and will open in 2027.
It will become the home for residencies, education and exhibitions for all things photography and is sure to attract plenty of attention nationally.
Ballarat has always had a deep connection with photography through its Biennale. If you haven’t been to Ballarat before, we would highly recommend this festival as you pretty much get led around the city to the artworks which are housed in some of Ballarat’s most beautiful buildings. This is a link to a review of last year’s event:
https://isowilson.com/a-day-at-the-ballarat-international-foto-biennale/
Most recently the Art Gallery of Ballarat, which is currently undergoing a big upgrade, has brought to Ballarat The World Press Photo Exhibition.
It is being held in my favourite heritage building, The Mining Exchange in Lydiard St until 20th September 2026 and admission is free.
As you would expect, the quality of these photos is extraordinary.
Given the state of the world at the moment there’s not a lot of light in what’s been captured by the photographers, but what they do capture is the evil consequences of those old white men in charge globally.
I love a good documentary but there is nothing like a perfectly executed photograph that can hold your attention and provoke some serious thought.
This exhibition encapsulates gut wrenching images from Sudan, Gaza, Syria and Ukraine as well as the effects of climate change.
It’s not all doom though. There are tributes to those fighting for change and the amazing resilience of those who have had to withstand the terror.
For us it was another reinforcement of just how lucky we are to live in Australia. The pot holes I’ve been dealing with, and the accompanying expletives in the car lately, suddenly disappeared into insignificance after leaving the exhibition. A highly worthwhile exhibition.
