All aboard for a Sunnyside safari in Ballarat

Cue the colour, creativity and cheer of Ballarat's shiny new immersive art experience this spring.

Kicking off the inaugural edition of Sunnyside is acclaimed UK artist Morag Myerscough, who will transform the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange into a wondrous new nature-inspired installation, Chasing Sunbeams, from 6–23 November.

Renowned UK artist Morag Myerscough at one of her Ballarat workshops earlier this year

Morag's fun and fabulous installations have popped up everywhere from Coachella in Palm Springs and Munich's Pinakothek der Moderne to London's Battersea Power Station and NDSM in Amsterdam.

And now, Ballarat will play host to the London-based artist's first ever major installation in regional Australia.

Are you ready to take a walk on Ballarat's Sunnyside?

Tickets at sunnysideart.com.au

Touchdown and takeoff!

One of the easiest ways to get to Ballarat is by jumping aboard a V/Line train at Melbourne's Southern Cross Station.

After just 90 minutes – and around $10 for your ticket – you'll arrive at the historic Ballarat Train Station in the beating heart of the CBD.

From here, we suggest you drop your bags off for the night at Quest Ballarat Station or The Provincial Hotel, both of which are just a hop, skip and a jump from the Lydiard St station.

The charismatic Provincial describes itself as "just like staying at your exceptionally stylish best friend’s house". Think playful fabrics, bespoke furniture plus a mix of contemporary and classic artworks in a circa 1909 hotel.

And then there's Quest Ballarat Station with its modern and spacious studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom and accessible apartments. So many options!

*Nice to Meet You Again*, London, UK, Morag Myerscough, 2023. Image: Gareth Gardner

The star of the show

She's big, she's bold and she's wonderfully fantastical.

Sunnyside is a celebration of curiosity and the joy of stepping into the unknown, sparking wonder at every turn.

Morag Myerscough's multi-sensory Chasing Sunbeams has been developed through workshops and conversations with local creatives and the wider community.

It's an extension of the people who call Ballarat home, their experiences and perspectives woven deeply into its fabric.

Accompanying the visual elements is a specially crafted soundscape, created in collaboration with local musician and composer Raul Sanchez i Jorge.

Morag’s interactive design invites you to become an active participant, leave your mark and help the artwork evolve.

Explore Sunnyside daily from 6–23 November at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.

Tickets for a one-hour session cost $22 adult, $18 concession, $12 child (5-15 years), $200 for a group of 10 adults, and children under 4 years are free.

Snap up your tix at sunnysideart.com.au

Sunny placards workshop with Pittywitty's Carly Pitts

Now it's your turn!

Want a more intimate, hands-on experience?

Sign up for a Sunnyside workshop with local artists and makers and see for yourself why Ballarat was crowned a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art.

Talks with Morag Myerscough

Ballarat8 Nov & 15 Nov

Surprises around every corner

Beyond the main installation, the Sunnyside experience spills into Ballarat's laneways and hidden corners, with playful prompts inviting exploration and revealing unexpected moments of colour and wonder.

Wander, roam, linger, stretch out, relax and take in:

A swirl of colour dancing in the breeze, featuring works by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and First Nations artist Jenna Oldaker (Murrup Art) in collaboration with Morag and the Ballarat community.

Fontella – The Zine Machine, brimming with freshly-made zines curated to bring a little sunshine to your day. Be sure to have your magic gold coin in hand. We’ll tell you where to find her – eventually!

Alfred Deakin Place, where community art blooms, sunsets come alive and music lifts you sky-high in a joyful mash-up of imagination, colour and good vibes.