Visiting Ballarat International Foto Biennale with kids or teens in tow? Day passes for children under 16 years old are free, plus there's the Open Program to check out at venues across the city.
Here's some top spots to check out with the family during the festival.
Mumu Mirri at the National Centre for Photography
Mumu Mirri which means moth in Wadawurrung language, is a striking new public artwork by Dave Jones in collaboration with Wadawurrung artist and knowledge holder Dr Deanne Gilson. This large-scale moth on the facade of a former bank is beautiful in the morning sunlight but really comes to life at night.
20 September—5 October
School Holiday Drop-In Activities
Make a moth inspired by Mumu Mirri and learn to fold an origami camera. Share your creations and experiences by using hashtag #bifbkids and tag @ballaratfoto to be featured. 10am–4pm at 101 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central. Free, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
More infoMelbourne Collaged at Drive Café
An old servo converted to a cafe, Drive is a great brunch and coffee spot to kick off your day, with an Open Program show to enjoy alongside your latte. Awarded photographer Ruth Woodrow transforms street photography into vibrant, expressive collages that explore Melbourne's urban fabric.
Nature~ista at RACV Goldfields Resort
RACV Goldfields Resort is a 15-minute drive north of Ballarat, near the town of Creswick. The resort features a heated outdoor swimming pool, mountain biking trails and bike storage, and an 18-hole Championship golf course. It's also an easy base to explore the new Djuwang Baring MTB trails. With a relaxing bushland setting, the resort is aptly hosting Nature~ista, a free exhibition celebrating the flamboyant flair of the animal kingdom through the lens of contemporary artists Leila Jeffreys and Maria Fernanda Cardoso.
A Symphony of Hues at Il Piccolo Gelato
Photographer Gaye Beal adds a touch of Rajasthani colour to the walls of this much-loved gelateria in Central Ballarat. A delicious stopover for kids and big kids alike.
Saturday 11 October
Workshop: Make Your First Family Album Photobook at Ballarat Library
Join artist Lê Nguyên Phương to make your own family album photobook. Explore the art of bookbinding and use paper as your storytelling space. Free, online bookings essential; a waitlist will be added after the event books out.
Guma on the Art Screen at Alfred Deakin Place (next to the Art Gallery of Ballarat)
Guma means blood in the Budjiti language. Set in urban Darwin, Leicolhn McKellar's Guma is a visual exploration of contemporary pan – Aboriginal identity and captures the everyday lives of First Nations families.
From Scraps to Goals: Uganda’s Handmade Soccer Balls at Beechworth Bakery Ballarat
Beechworth's signature beesting buns aren't the only draw here. Award-winning documentary photographer Brian Hodges' exhibition celebrates the Ugandan Odilo lawiny, soccer balls spun into being with whatever’s at hand: rag or sock, tire or bark, plastic bag or banana leaves. Each is a unique work of art that speaks to Africa's passion for the game.
Prompted Peculiar International AI Prize at the Miner's Tavern
For those interested in creative tech, this exhibition jumps into the rapidly evolving world of AI-generated imagery or 'promptography'. Note this showing of finalist works is located upstairs in a heritage venue and does not have lift access (not suitable for prams). Access with Festival Pass.
The Journey – Surreal Steampunk Portraits at Market Hotel Ballarat
Artist Noeleen McKeag brings her love of portraiture and steampunk to this friendly neighbourhood pub.
Hop Lane
The photogenic umbrellas in Hop Lane have turned yellow to celebrate Foto Biennale. The Neurodivergent Image Collective have an outdoor slide-viewer installation partway down the laneway. It is worth stopping by Hop Temple for a pizza and to take a few snaps to finish up your day.
While we're on the photo theme...
Don't forget to book your own old-time fashion shoot at the Red Hill Photography Studio at Sovereign Hill. Dress up 1850s style and take home a black and white memento.
There's also unique selfie ops to be found at Ballarat Wildlife Park where private animal encounters will see you meet and greet with meerkats, giant tortoises, tawny frogmouths and more.
